Americana Director, Co-star Defend Film Amid Controversy, Box Office Flop

Sydney Sweeney's film Americana faced a boycott and commercial failure, largely due to backlash from her controversial American Eagle jeans campaign, which some critics likened to eugenics and far-right politics. Despite the negative attention, Sweeney's co-star Halsey strongly defended the film, urging audiences to focus on the movie itself rather than the surrounding controversy. Halsey emphasized the director Tony Tost's artistic vision and the hardworking cast, highlighting the importance of cinema beyond fleeting gossip. Director Tony Tost acknowledged the film's poor box office performance but expressed hope that the movie would be appreciated over time, describing it as a 'hidden gem' that was overshadowed by the cultural moment. Tost also reflected on his career ambitions and the challenges of releasing a smaller, nuanced film in the current entertainment landscape. Critics gave Americana generally positive reviews, praising its polish and skill, though its impact was muted by the timing of the release amid the controversy.