Sydney Sweeney Breaks Down in Tears at Christy TIFF Premiere Beside Real-Life Boxer Christy Martin

Emotional debut sees Sweeney honor the pioneering fighter she portrays, as TIFF audience delivers standing ovation

Sydney Sweeney delivered one of the most emotional moments of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with the world premiere of Christy, the biopic chronicling the extraordinary yet turbulent life of trailblazing boxer Christy Martin.

The Euphoria and Anyone But You star grew visibly choked up during the post-screening Q&A as she addressed the woman she portrays on screen. Standing beside Martin, Sweeney said through tears, “Christy, you are absolutely incredible, and I am so honored. I’m gonna cry, oh my God. You’re so inspirational, and to be able to have her by my side during this process was a dream — but also just scary too because you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh! We’re doing all of this in front of her.’”

Directed by David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), Christy charts the rise of Martin — nicknamed the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” — as one of the first women to break into the male-dominated boxing world. The film explores her meteoric career, her violent and abusive marriage to trainer Jim Martin (played by Ben Foster), her near-fatal assault at his hands, her struggle with her sexuality, and her eventual journey to love and healing with her wife, Lisa Holewyne (Katy O’Brian).

Dedication Behind the Role

To embody Martin’s toughness in the ring, Sweeney underwent an intense training regimen. “I trained for 2-3 months before filming,” she explained. “I had a boxing coach, I had weight trainers, I had nutritionists — I trained three times a day every day, and then while we filmed I trained as well.”

For Foster, playing Jim Martin required a different approach. He deliberately chose not to meet with the disgraced former trainer, explaining, “It felt disrespectful in some capacity to Christy herself. We were going to find another door. We discussed coercive control and domestic violence at depth, and I spoke with Dave and Syd. It was of the utmost importance that we honored that as best we could.”

Praise from Christy Martin

The real Christy Martin, who nearly lost her life to domestic violence before reclaiming her story, applauded Sweeney’s transformation. “She wasn’t the beautiful, sexy Sydney,” Martin told the TIFF audience. “She was the tough, rugged Christy in this movie. And I think it’s awesome. She kicks ass!”

The praise was echoed by the TIFF crowd, which gave the film a prolonged standing ovation as the credits rolled — with an extra cheer erupting when Sweeney’s name appeared on screen. Later, when Martin herself joined the Q&A panel, the audience rose again in a heartfelt ovation.

A Story of Survival and Purpose

Reflecting on her life’s harrowing journey, Martin shared a poignant memory tied to the film. “I made a deal with God from the hospital bed that if he let me live, I would help as many people as possible. Actually, I said ‘one person’ before I die, and then the arrogant me said, ‘No, I want to help one person every day before I die.’ … And I hope that this movie does just that.”

With its mix of grit, resilience, and heart, Christy not only cements Sydney Sweeney’s growing reputation as a dramatic powerhouse but also amplifies Martin’s enduring legacy as a fighter — both in and out of the ring.

Christy opens in theaters on November 7, 2025.