Sydney Sweeney is as soon as once more making headlines after unveiling her boldest journal cowl so far. The “Euphoria” star graces the quilt of W Journal’s Greatest Performances Challenge, celebrating her acclaimed roles in “The Housemaid” and “Christy,” and the hanging picture is already sparking intense dialog on-line. Shot by famend photographer Tyrone Lebon, the quilt locations Sweeney on the middle of a cinematic, Outdated Hollywood–impressed second that feels each daring and deeply intentional.

Within the cowl picture, Sweeney seems absolutely nude, her physique subtly illuminated and styled to resemble liquid gold in opposition to a darkish, moody backdrop. Seated sideways and glancing again over her shoulder, the actress channels a Marilyn Monroe vibe with softly curled blonde hair, glowing pores and skin, and a fastidiously composed pose. The minimalist styling permits the idea to do the heavy lifting, with the nice and cozy gold tones contrasting in opposition to the shadowy set to create a timeless, nearly cinematic nonetheless.

See the journal cowl right here.

As anticipated, the quilt ignited quick reactions throughout social media. Many followers and trade voices praised the inventive path and Sweeney’s fearlessness, applauding the gold-body idea as “next-level” and calling the picture “gorgeous” and “iconic.” One commenter wrote that Sweeney “really deserves the highlight,” whereas others highlighted how seamlessly she continues to “reinvent her picture with out dropping her id.”

Not all responses have been glowing, nevertheless. A handful of critics questioned the boldness of the shoot, urging for extra restraint. “You possibly can by no means be Marilyn Monroe,” one X person wrote as one other chimed in, “she fell off unhealthy.” Another person expressed, “Disgusting. Hold it PG.”

One other sarcastically added, “Oh wow, one other ‘inventive’ nude shoot,” whereas one social media person introduced politics into the equation, writing, “At all times attempting to seem like Marilyn Monroe, in the meantime Marilyn Monroe was often called one of the crucial progressive, radical leftists of her time and would’ve hated her.”

That is by far the primary time that the “Anybody However You” actress has been below fireplace. Many will bear in mind Sydney Sweeney’s current American Eagle marketing campaign, which drew on-line backlash. What started as a trend collaboration shortly snowballed into a bigger cultural debate, with critics dissecting every part from the marketing campaign’s wording to its visible messaging.

Critics shortly jumped in, claiming the “denims” wordplay doubled as a not-so-subtle nod to “genes,” sparking accusations of racially charged undertones and genetic superiority, whereas others blasted the marketing campaign for catering to the male gaze and echoing Brooke Shields’ controversial 1980 Calvin Klein advertisements.

Following the backlash, Sydney Sweeney spoke out, making it clear that she doesn’t align with the political or ideological interpretations some critics hooked up to the advert. “I used to be actually stunned by the response,” Sweeney advised PEOPLE final yr. “I did it as a result of I really like the denims and love the model. I don’t assist the views some individuals selected to hook up with the marketing campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that simply aren’t true.”

The “Anybody However You” actress emphasised that her private mission has all the time been rooted in unity, not division. “Anybody who is aware of me is aware of that I’m all the time attempting to deliver individuals collectively,” she stated. “I’m in opposition to hate and divisiveness.”