Sydney Sweeney identifies with the struggles of boxer Christy Martin

Speaking at the Beverly Hills Hotel Sydney took the stage to receive her honour from Sharon Stone and reflected on her role as Christy, saying her story - as a gay woman in boxing who was victimised by her husband and trainer - had resonated deeply with her.

Sydney said: "I'm not a fighter in the ring, but I recognise something of myself in (Christy Martin.)

"I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you've had a chance to define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously.

"But every one of us has our own fight, and Christy reminds us all that strength doesn't look loud sometimes, and sometimes it's just about getting back up again and again, no matter who's watching."

Sydney announced in May 2024 she would star as Christy, who fought professionally between 1989 and 2011 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020.

The actress revealed she gained 35 pounds for the role and said the experience of working with Christy in person had been transformative.

Speaking at a screening of Christy on 11 October, she said the role "taught me how to stand up for myself more and feel stronger in my personal life (and) my work life".

During her acceptance speech at Variety's Power of Women, Sydney added: "Playing (Christy) taught me that surviving isn't the end of the story.

"It is the beginning of reclaiming it. And to every young girl out there, I hope that you know that your power is already within you. You don't have to wait for permission to be brave.

"You don't have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable. And if you fall, you can just get right back up."

Sweeney stars in Christy alongside Ben Foster, who plays the boxer's husband and manager Jim.

An official synopsis for the film states: "While Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it - confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death."