Amanda Seyfried is the ultimate at being authentic.

      The last time I spoke with Amanda Seyfried was on a scorching summer day in 2022. At that time, she had just received an Emmy nomination for her role as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, which she later won. Alongside her Oscar nomination for Mank in 2021, it was evident that her career was advancing to new heights. It would be understandable if such excitement went to anyone's head. I'm happy to report that Seyfried is just as she was three years ago when we reunited for her Who What Wear cover interview on a rainy October day in Brooklyn—instantly friendly and conversational. She arrived with a knitting project stuffed into a large Givenchy bag and had a familiarity about her that makes you feel like you’ve known her for ages. There was no hint of diva behavior whatsoever.

      "Having any kind of attention in the awards space is beneficial for raising awareness. It serves as a reminder to people that I can deliver good work," she reflects on her notable award nominations, pulling the sleeves of her black polo shirt over her hands. "However, if you don’t continue to work hard, pursue what you love, and make intriguing choices, it all fades. Everything fades. The day after the Oscars, people are already speculating about the following year."

      That mix of hard work, interesting choices, and undeniable talent has placed Seyfried back in the Oscars conversation. She appears in The Testament of Ann Lee, a historical drama by Mona Fastvold, scheduled for a Christmas release, where she portrays the founder of the Shaker movement across three decades of her life. This role demanded a lot from Seyfried: mastering an 18th-century Mancunian accent, singing and dancing (while The Testament of Ann Lee isn't strictly a musical, it does include several impressive musical sequences), intense physicality, and historical attire. The pressure might deter even the bravest actors, but for Seyfried, that was part of the attraction. "It all contributes to another version of yourself that remains true to who you are, but you have to make that believable as a person," she explains. "It felt incredibly daunting, but it was like, 'This is exactly why I choose these projects.' I believe in taking on things that scare me—within reason, of course. I'm not going to jump off a cliff or out of an airplane, but I want to dive into something that genuinely frightens me because I know I can succeed, and I’ll be improved for it."

      Fastvold had collaborated with Seyfried on both The Crowded Room and this year's Peacock drama Long Bright River, leading to a strong working relationship and a close friendship that proved beneficial during the filming of The Testament of Ann Lee. While their families weren't present, Seyfried and Fastvold shared accommodations. Working with a limited indie film budget meant maximizing their shooting time in Budapest, and yet again, there was no diva behavior.

      "Amanda is just a team player. That comes naturally to her," Fastvold comments over the phone. "When she’s not filming, she’s working on her farm, tending to animals, doing that kind of work. She defies all stereotypes of a movie star." The director also praised Seyfried's ability to connect with her co-stars, whether they were newcomers or seasoned actors. "She is the most present and least fearful performer," Fastvold states. "She radiates enthusiasm by engaging with her fellow performers, absorbing whatever they bring and returning it."

      It’s no surprise that Seyfried's performance received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee. She shines as Ann Lee, showcasing an unstoppable spirit through both heartbreaking losses and extensive journeys. Fastvold reveals that they only finalized the edits shortly before Venice, culminating in an intense finish to a profoundly emotional endeavor for everyone involved—which explains why Seyfried was moved to tears when the lights came up. "I don't know if it was my experience filming the movie or if it was just a remarkable film, but I sobbed uncontrollably at Venice," she shares. "I find it hard to disconnect myself from that experience like I sometimes do when viewing other films." "I recently watched The Housemaid, and I thought, 'This is extraordinary,'" she adds. "It's the most entertaining movie ever."

      In stark contrast to The Testament of Ann Lee, The Housemaid is Seyfried's second film set to release in December. Directed by Paul Feig, a genre expert, it’s a thrilling experience filled with excitement. Seyfried portrays Nina Winchester, a seemingly flawless housewife concealing a multitude of secrets, a role that required her to navigate a tricky balance, transforming with each scene. Discussing how exceptional her performance is without revealing too much is challenging, as those involved with the film are passionate about maintaining that viewing experience for the audience even though it adapts Freida McFadden's best-selling novel.