Top Hollywood producer Carol Baum, famed for hits like “Father of the Bride,” sparked controversy with her blunt critique of rising star Sydney Sweeney.
Baum’s harsh comments came during a post-screening discussion of her 1988 film “Dead Ringers” at the Jacob Burns Center in Pleasantville, NY.
According to reports by the Daily Mail, Baum didn’t hold back, declaring Sweeney “isn’t pretty” and “can’t act.”
Baum’s skepticism stemmed from her viewing of Sweeney’s recent romcom, “Anyone But You,” which she found “unwatchable” during a flight.
“I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her,” Baum admitted, questioning Sweeney’s widespread acclaim.
Even Baum’s students at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts couldn’t provide a compelling defense of Sweeney’s talent or appeal.
“Explain this girl to me. She’s not pretty, she can’t act. Why is she so hot?” Baum challenged her class, receiving no satisfactory response.
Despite her reservations, Baum admitted she might not refuse to produce a film with Sweeney if it meant securing a green light.
“We all want to get the movie made and who walks away from a green light? Nobody I know,” Baum conceded pragmatically.
Sweeney’s camp remained silent in response to Baum’s critique, declining to comment on the controversy.
Sweeney’s rise to fame exploded with her role as Cassie Howard in HBO’s “Euphoria,” earning her an Emmy nomination in 2022.
She further impressed with her performance as Olivia Mossbacher in “The White Lotus,” garnering another Emmy nod.
Between December 2023 and March, Sweeney starred in three major films, including “Anyone But You,” which received mixed reviews.
Despite critics’ lukewarm reception, the film dominated the box office, pulling in over $200 million worldwide.
Surpassing expectations, “Anyone But You” became the highest-grossing R-rated romantic comedy since 2016’s “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” according to Variety.
The film’s success was preceded by speculation of a romance between Sweeney and her co-star Glen Powell, adding fuel to the media frenzy.