Amanda Seyfried is the reigning champion of authenticity.

      The last time I saw Amanda Seyfried, it was an extremely hot day in the summer of 2022, and she had just received an Emmy nomination for her role as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, a win she would later achieve. Considering that alongside her 2021 Oscar nomination for her role in Mank, it was evident that her career was reaching new heights. It would be understandable if such attention went to anyone’s head. I'm happy to say that Seyfried remains the same person she was three years ago when we reconvene for her Who What Wear cover interview on a rainy October day in Brooklyn: instantly warm and talkative. She has a knitting project stuffed inside an oversized Givenchy bag and has a familiarity that makes you feel as though you've been friends for years. There’s not a hint of diva behavior to be seen.

      "Having any sort of spotlight on you in this awards circuit is always beneficial for awareness. It reminds people that I can deliver good work," she reflects on her two significant award moments, adjusting the sleeves of her black polo shirt over her hands. "However, if you don’t continue to work hard and make interesting choices, it will all fade. It all fades. The day after the Oscars, discussions about the next year already begin."

      Well, that mix of hard work and intriguing choices (along with undeniable talent) has brought Seyfried right back into the Oscars conversation. She stars in The Testament of Ann Lee, a historical drama by Mona Fastvold set for a Christmas release, where she takes on the role of the founder of the Shaker movement throughout three decades of her life. This role demanded a lot from Seyfried: adopting an 18th-century Mancunian accent, singing and dancing (though not a traditional musical, The Testament of Ann Lee includes several impressive musical numbers), intense physicality, and donning historical costumes. Even the bravest actors might feel intimidated by such pressure, but for Seyfried, it was part of the draw. "It all comes together to create another person who is still very much you, but there's a mountain to climb that's got to be convinced as a real character," she explains. "It was incredibly daunting, but it was like, 'This is why I choose these roles.' I feel like I need to keep selecting things that frighten me—within reason, of course. I’m not going to jump off a cliff or out of an airplane, but I need to take on something truly challenging because I know I can manage it, and I’ll be better for doing it."

      Fastvold had collaborated with Seyfried on both The Crowded Room and this year’s Peacock drama series Long Bright River, and they developed not only an excellent working relationship but a close friendship, which proved invaluable when filming The Testament of Ann Lee. When their families weren't around, Seyfried and Fastvold shared accommodations. Working with a tight indie film budget meant they had to maximize their filming time in Budapest. Again, no diva antics here. "Amanda is just a team player. That's her nature, something that comes naturally to her," Fastvold states over the phone. "When she's not filming, she’s tending to her farm, feeding animals, and engaging in that work. She's the opposite of whatever stereotype of a movie star exists." The director also praised Seyfried's ability to connect with her co-stars, whether they were newcomers or experienced actors. "She's the most present and fearless performer," Fastvold declares. "She genuinely enjoys looking into another performer's eyes and responding to what they present to her."

      It's no wonder Seyfried's performance garnered a 15-minute standing ovation during the Venice premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee. She is captivating as Ann Lee, an unstoppable presence through tragic losses and transatlantic journeys. Fastvold mentioned that they finalized the edits just weeks before the Venice screening—a whirlwind conclusion to an emotionally charged process for everyone involved—which explains why Seyfried was seen crying when the lights came up at the end. "I’m not sure if it was because I, Amanda, experienced so much while making that film or if the film itself was just incredibly impactful, but I ended up crying hysterically at Venice," she shares. "I don’t think I can separate myself from that experience like I usually do when I watch films." "But I recently watched The Housemaid and thought, 'Wow, this is epic,'" she adds, "It’s the most enjoyable movie ever."

      On the opposite end of the cinematic experience lies The Housemaid, Seyfried's second film set to premiere in December. It’s a thriller directed by Paul Feig, who excels in crafting pulpy, exhilarating fun. She plays Nina Winchester, a seemingly perfect housewife concealing various secrets, transitioning between different personas in each scene. It's challenging to discuss her masterful performance without giving away any plot details, and everyone involved is deeply committed to preserving