Sydney Sweeney’s bold red carpet look sparks debate on confidence and choice

Actor Sydney Sweeney became the center of online discussion following her appearance at Variety’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills on October 29, here she wore a sheer, crystal-studded gown that drew widespread attention — and divided opinions.

The 28-year-old, known for her acclaimed roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, was among the event’s honorees. Her outfit — a silver Christian Cowan x Elias Matso design from the upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection — was confirmed by the designer on Instagram.

The event, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, celebrated women in entertainment who have made a significant impact on and off screen, with fellow honorees including Kate Hudson, Wanda Sykes, Sharon Stone, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Sweeney’s Message of Self-Confidence

Just days before the event, Sweeney spoke with Variety about being labeled a “s*x symbol” and what empowerment means to her.

“I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t,” she said. “So, when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a s*x symbol,’ or ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself and I feel strong.’”

Sweeney added that she hopes her openness encourages other women to embrace their confidence without apology. “You shouldn’t have to hide or cover up in any room,” she said.

Her comments framed the tone of her appearance at the Variety gala — one she later described as a celebration of confidence and authenticity rather than provocation.

Social Media Reaction

Sweeney’s fashion choice quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the evening. Photos of her shimmering, body-hugging gown circulated widely across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, sparking both admiration and criticism.

Some users praised her confidence and the boldness of her look, calling it “a celebration of self-expression.” Others viewed it as unnecessarily revealing, reigniting debate about the line between empowerment and objectification.

Comments ranged from appreciation — “She looks incredible, like modern Hollywood glam” — to sharp disapproval. “I’m old enough to remember when this was considered soft porn,” one user wrote in response to Variety’s post on X.

Onstage Reflection

During the ceremony, Sweeney was introduced by Sharon Stone, who praised her artistic range and growing influence in Hollywood. Taking the stage, Sweeney drew parallels between her career and the challenges faced by Christy Martin, the real-life boxer she portrays in her upcoming film Christy.

“I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I recognized something of myself in Christy,” Sweeney said. “I know what it feels like to be underestimated — to have people define me before I get the chance to define myself.”

Her speech drew applause for its honesty and self-awareness, even as conversation online remained focused on her fashion choice.

Owning Her Narrative

While reactions to her look remain polarized, Sweeney’s message at both the event and in interviews made her position clear: she’s not dressing for approval but for self-expression.

The actor, who has publicly stated she has “never had any cosmetic procedures” and intends to “age gracefully,” continues to balance her growing influence in Hollywood with a firm sense of agency over her image.

Whether viewed as controversial or empowering, Sweeney’s moment at Variety’s Power of Women underscored the same message she voiced days earlier — that confidence, in any form, is something women have the right to define for themselves.