Quick Read
- Amanda Seyfried earned critical acclaim for her lead roles in 2025’s ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ and ‘The Housemaid’.
- She is outspoken about avoiding plastic surgery, only using Botox in one spot, and embracing her real skin—even with eczema.
- Seyfried is known for her collaborative, ego-free approach on set and her efforts to mentor younger actors.
- Her family and life on a rural farm keep her grounded, shaping her perspective on fame and wellness.
- Despite occasional controversies, she remains committed to authenticity and speaking her truth.
Award Season Spotlight: Seyfried’s Relentless Ascent
It’s 2025, and Amanda Seyfried is not just another Hollywood star riding the wave of awards buzz—she’s an actor whose every move seems to redefine what longevity and authenticity look like in an industry that rarely allows for both. After winning an Emmy for her chilling portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout and earning an Oscar nomination for Mank, Seyfried could have easily fallen into the trap of Hollywood excess. Instead, she’s doubled down on being herself: grounded, approachable, and fiercely dedicated to her craft (Who What Wear).
Her latest role in The Testament of Ann Lee, a sweeping historical drama directed by Mona Fastvold, has catapulted her back into Oscar conversations. The film demanded everything from her—mastering an 18th-century accent, singing, dancing, and enduring the physical challenges of period costumes. The result? A 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice premiere and a performance that’s as emotionally raw as it is technically impressive. Seyfried describes the experience as “daunting,” but insists that the thrill of tackling something terrifying is what keeps her evolving as an artist. “I feel like I have to keep choosing things that terrify me,” she says. “I know I’ll be better for it.”
On Set and Off: Teamwork, Mentorship, and No-Diva Attitude
Those who work with Seyfried are quick to note her absence of ego. Fastvold, who also collaborated with her on The Crowded Room and Long Bright River, praises Seyfried’s team spirit and her ability to connect with everyone on set, from day players to seasoned leads. “She’s the opposite of whatever cliché of a movie star is out there,” Fastvold reflects. Even in the high-pressure, low-budget environment of indie filmmaking in Budapest, Seyfried bunked with Fastvold, fully embracing the camaraderie.
This collaborative energy extended to The Housemaid, her other major release this season—a twisty thriller directed by Paul Feig. Seyfried’s shape-shifting performance as Nina Winchester keeps audiences on edge, and, as Feig notes, some scenes depended entirely on her ability to deliver tension and surprise in real time. “She’s a rock star—I’m telling you,” he gushes. Her co-star Sydney Sweeney credits Seyfried with fostering a supportive, drama-free environment, allowing everyone to push creative boundaries without fear.
Beauty, Vulnerability, and Saying No to Hollywood’s Pressures
Beyond her acting, Seyfried is drawing attention for her frankness about beauty standards and aging in Hollywood. As she revealed in a Who What Wear interview and confirmed to People, she’s not interested in plastic surgery. “I have a really good dermatologist who tells me that she’s never gonna do anything but put Botox in the same place for the rest of my life,” she says with a laugh, pointing to her forehead. For her role as Ann Lee, Seyfried even gave up Botox and makeup for a year, embracing a no-frills look that let her performance—and her real skin—shine through.
Seyfried has also been open about her ongoing struggles with eczema and perioral dermatitis. In a viral Vogue Beauty Secrets video, she appeared makeup-free, walking viewers through her “unfiltered eczema routine”—a move widely praised for its honesty. She credits much of her skin knowledge to years of trial, error, and expert advice since her teens. “The things that I like, I can sacrifice a little. Of course I can,” she says of her willingness to adapt for her art.
Family, Real Life, and Staying Grounded
What truly keeps Seyfried centered isn’t fame or critical acclaim—it’s her life upstate with her family and animals. She’s built boundaries into her contracts to ensure she gets regular time at home, and most of her friends are outside the industry. Whether she’s tending to a sick rabbit or showing off a video of her horse, Seyfried radiates the satisfaction of a life well-balanced. Conversations with her drift naturally from the pressures of celebrity to the realities of aging, perimenopause, and wellness routines involving mushrooms and IPL laser treatments—not exactly standard red carpet fare.
Her approach to Hollywood’s expectations is refreshingly pragmatic. She’s not above rewearing her own clothes to events or borrowing from other stars’ wardrobes, and she shrugs off the idea that this is somehow “brave.” For Seyfried, these choices are simply common sense—a reflection of the real life she’s determined to lead, even as the world watches.
Facing Controversy and Speaking Out
While Seyfried mostly avoids the social media drama that engulfs many celebrities, she’s not afraid to speak her mind. This past September, she sparked backlash by calling Charlie Kirk “hateful” in an Instagram comment—a move that briefly unsettled her but ultimately reaffirmed her commitment to honesty. “I’m not fucking apologizing for that,” she asserts. “What I said was pretty damn factual, and I’m free to have an opinion.” Her willingness to clarify her position publicly and reclaim her voice is emblematic of her broader approach: authenticity over appeasement.
She’s also mindful of how much harder things are for the next generation of actresses, like Sweeney, who face constant scrutiny online. “If social media was the way it is now when I was in my 20s, I don’t know how I would have fared,” Seyfried admits. She tries to offer guidance without being overbearing, aware that the pressures today are unlike anything she experienced early in her career.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Amanda Seyfried?
With two major films out and more secret projects in the works, Seyfried shows no signs of slowing down. She’s even game for a potential Mamma Mia 3, predicting a 2027 release and expressing genuine excitement at the prospect. For now, she’s embracing the whirlwind of press tours, sisterly collaborations with her director friends, and the knowledge that nothing is promised in this business.
As she wraps up another marathon interview, Seyfried’s final gesture—offering snacks from her own bag—serves as a perfect metaphor for her approach to life and work: generous, unpretentious, and utterly real. In an industry that thrives on illusion, Amanda Seyfried is proof that authenticity can still be a superpower.
Assessment: Amanda Seyfried’s ongoing success is no accident. Her blend of relentless work ethic, candid self-awareness, and refusal to conform to Hollywood’s narrow expectations has made her not only a critical darling but a model of how to thrive while staying true to oneself. As she continues to break new ground—on screen and off—her story is a testament to the enduring power of authenticity in a world that often rewards artifice.