Hollywood star Amanda Seyfried has made a candid declaration about the value of Academy Awards, stating that winning an Oscar 'isn't important' for sustaining a successful career. The comments come in the wake of the actress losing out on two Golden Globe awards earlier this month, with fans claiming she was 'robbed'.
Awards Ambivalence and Golden Globes Disappointment
The 40-year-old actress, best known for Mamma Mia, received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 2021 for her role in Mank. This year, she earned nominations at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards for her performance in The Testament of Ann Lee, hinting at another potential Oscar nod.
However, speaking to The New Yorker, Seyfried downplayed the ultimate prize. She suggested it's the nomination that truly 'thrusts you forward', rhetorically asking: 'Do you remember who won in the past ten years?'
'Now, do I need one in a week or two or whenever? No, of course, I don't,' she stated. 'Would it be great? Of course it would, for every reason - but it isn't necessary.'
Her perspective follows noticeable behaviour at the Golden Globes ceremony. When she lost the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture to Rose Byrne, viral clips captured Seyfried grimacing briefly before forcing a smile and applause. Supporters argued her reaction stemmed from knowing she 'wasn't about to win' and feeling unjustly overlooked.
Political Backlash and Refusing to Apologise
In recent months, Seyfried has also divided public opinion by voicing strong political views, leading some to call for a boycott of her work. The actress faced significant backlash last September after commenting on the death of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during a campus debate at Utah Valley University.
Seyfried described Kirk as 'hateful' on social media and reshared a meme that read: 'You can't invite violence to the dinner table and be shocked when it starts eating.' Following criticism, she posted a clarification on Instagram, expressing that the murder was 'disturbing and deplorable' while standing by her critique of his rhetoric.
When questioned about the incident two months later by Who What Wear, Seyfried was defiant. 'I'm not f**king apologising for that. I mean, for f**k's sake, I commented on one thing. I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes,' she said.
She credited Instagram with allowing her to regain her voice, feeling it had been 'stolen and recontextualised'. The Mean Girls star added that navigating political discourse requires her to remember to 'keep [her] head on' when engaging with divisive issues.
Navigating Fame and Future Prospects
Despite the awards season tension and political controversies, Seyfried's career continues to move forward. Her performance in The Testament of Ann Lee keeps her in the awards conversation, and she recently starred in The Housemaid alongside Sydney Sweeney – another actress who has faced ire for her political beliefs.
Seyfried's reflections highlight a broader conversation about the transient nature of awards recognition versus lasting career achievement. Her experience underscores the intense scrutiny facing actors who step beyond their film roles into the political sphere, balancing artistic acclaim with personal conviction.
