When the Golden Globe Awards nominations were announced in early December, Seyfried landed two nods. She was recognized for best actress in a limited series for Long Bright River and for best actress in a musical or comedy for The Testament of Ann Lee, which was released on Christmas Day.
That wasn’t all. Seyfried also starred in another December release, the psychological thriller The Housemaid, opposite Sydney Sweeney. With two films to promote at the same time, the actress admits the pace caught up with her.
“I came home finally from a red eye, and I slept for, I want to say, like, 30 hours,” Seyfried said during an interview on Morning Edition with host Leila Fadel. “I clearly needed it. And now my back hurts. I’m 40, so that’s okay.”
A Physically Demanding Role
That back pain may be partly thanks to The Testament of Ann Lee. In the film, Seyfried plays Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, a religious sect that came to America from England during the Revolutionary War.
The Shakers were known for their intense worship services, which included singing, fast-paced dancing, and wild, full-body movement. To prepare, Seyfried trained for about a year to handle the role’s physical demands.
“Anybody who’s been to a club knows what it feels like to be alive through movement,” she said. “I think that’s why the community really thrived — they were connecting to each other as much as through their higher power.”
A Radical Woman Ahead of Her Time
Ann Lee’s beliefs were bold for the 18th century. She preached pacifism, gender and racial equality, and celibacy — even for married couples. During the American Revolution, both sides expected the Shakers to support the fight, but Lee refused to choose.
“She didn’t make sense to people, and she never tried to fit in,” Seyfried said, adding that Lee was often treated as a witch.
Seyfried says she admired Lee’s refusal to take sides during a violent and divided time. “What happens when you feel that it’s harmful to take a side?” she asked. “What happens when you just want to keep creating sanctuary for people?”
Why the Story Still Matters
Even though the film is set more than 200 years ago, Seyfried believes its message is deeply relevant today.
“Weird rules or not, it was based in love and support and belonging and lifting everybody up,” she said. “It’s just so simple an idea, and it’s how so many of us want to operate in the world.”
With two Golden Globe nominations and three major projects released in a single month, Seyfried’s hard work is clearly paying off. The Golden Globe Awards will be held on January 11, and all eyes will be on whether this exhausting — but rewarding — year ends with a win.
Tags:
News
