Sydney Sweeney has once again proven her ability to command attention, setting social media abuzz with her boldest fashion statement yet. The 28-year-old actor posed completely nude for W Magazine’s Annual Best Performances Issue, released on January 6, in celebration of her recent film projects The Housemaid and Christy Martin. The striking images quickly went viral, marking one of the most daring and talked-about photoshoots of her career.
For the cover artwork, Sweeney stripped away all clothing, choosing to accessorize solely with an opulent Chopard Haute Joaillerie necklace. Her look was elevated by a sleek blonde bob styled into vintage pin-up curls, evoking the timeless glamour of Marilyn Monroe. The hairstyle, first debuted at the AFI Fest screening of Christy in Los Angeles last October, reinforces Sweeney’s growing fascination with Old Hollywood aesthetics.
The shoot feels like a deliberate homage to classic cinema icons, aligning seamlessly with Sweeney’s recent red-carpet appearances. At The Housemaid premiere in December, she turned heads in a flowing white Galia Lahav gown with a billowing skirt inspired by Monroe’s unforgettable The Seven Year Itch moment. Together, these fashion choices highlight Sweeney’s willingness to take creative risks while embracing the elegance of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Beyond the visuals, Sweeney also used the opportunity to reflect on her evolving craft. In her conversation with W Magazine, the Emmy-nominated actor opened up about how she navigates emotionally demanding roles. Discussing her portrayal of legendary boxer Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic, Sweeney explained her disciplined approach to acting.
“I’ve always trained myself to separate as much as I can from my characters,” she shared. “It allows me to know that a character is the one experiencing those moments—not me. When they call ‘Cut,’ I can jump right back into being Syd.”
However, she admitted that embodying Christy Martin proved especially challenging. The physical and emotional transformation required for the role made it harder to fully detach. “It felt like I was still coming home as Christy,” she revealed, noting her conscious effort to avoid carrying the character’s trauma into her personal life.
Months before the nude cover made headlines, Sweeney also addressed persistent plastic surgery rumors. In a December interview with Allure, she firmly shut down speculation, stating that she has never undergone cosmetic procedures. “I am so scared of needles,” she said, putting the rumors to rest.
With fearless fashion choices and increasingly complex roles, Sydney Sweeney continues to redefine her image—on her own terms.