GoldenGlobe Winning Actress, 39, Breaks Down in Tears During Ovation at Venice Film Festival Deborah CruzSeptember 2, 2025 at 12:53 AM Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images Amanda Seyfried became emotional during an extended standing ovation that lasted more than 15 minutes following her ne...
- - Golden-Globe Winning Actress, 39, Breaks Down in Tears During Ovation at Venice Film Festival
Deborah CruzSeptember 2, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
Amanda Seyfried became emotional during an extended standing ovation that lasted more than 15 minutes following her new film's debut at The Venice International Film Festival on Monday.
The reaction for The Testament of Ann Lee exceeded the applause duration of other films at this year's festival. Audience members captured video showing Seyfried wiping away tears while standing with her co-stars and filmmakers, including Thomasin McKenzie who embraced the actress during the moment.
The Testament of Ann Lee
According to the festival's synopsis of the film, the historical drama centers on Ann Lee, who founded the Shakers religious community in the 18th century. Mona Fastvold directed the film and collaborated on the script with Brady Corbet.
During a festival press conference, Seyfried spoke about her approach to the demanding role. She described having creative latitude to explore the character in ways she had not experienced in previous projects.
Fastvold discussed her decision to cast Seyfried, noting the actress possessed both vulnerability and strength that suited the historical figure. The director emphasized Seyfried's ability to portray different facets of Lee's personality.
Cast and Crew
The ensemble includes McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin and Tim Blake Nelson. Fastvold and Corbet previously worked together on The Brutalist, which earned multiple Academy Award nominations.
The story focuses on Lee's establishment of the religious movement, which incorporated music and physical expression into worship practices during the late 1700s.
Seyfried acknowledged the challenges of portraying a leadership figure from history. She expressed initial uncertainty about taking on the role but ultimately decided to proceed based on the director's confidence in her abilities.
Related: Amanda Seyfried Didn't Land 'Wicked' After Training for More Than 5 Years
Festival Reception
Seyfried's visible emotional response reflected the significance of the moment for both herself and the production team. The actress has built a career spanning television and film, earning recognition including Golden Globe and Emmy awards.
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The combination of the extended ovation and Seyfried's reaction created a memorable festival moment that will not soon be forgotten. Such responses at film festivals typically indicate strong audience engagement with both the performance and the overall production.
The Testament of Ann Lee explores themes of faith, community and leadership through its historical subject matter, presenting Lee's story within the context of religious movements in early American history.
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