Welcome to a new episode of Collider Ladies Night featuring acclaimed actress Amanda Seyfried, star of "The Housemaid" and "The Testament of Ann Lee." During her conversation with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, Seyfried reflected on the veteran actors who supported her early in her career and discussed her current approach to mentoring up-and-coming talents. She expressed excitement about having two distinct films releasing almost simultaneously, showcasing her breathtaking work.

Collider's interviewer has consistently covered Amanda Seyfried's career, noting her warmth, passion for her work, and remarkable openness since their first press day for "Chloe." These qualities continue to impress, but a new one emerged during their latest discussion: Seyfried's dedication to supporting rising actors, exemplified by her relationship with "The Housemaid" co-star, Sydney Sweeney.

"The Housemaid" is a highly anticipated adaptation of Freida McFadden’s popular novel, where Sweeney plays Millie, a young woman who accepts a housemaid position for Seyfried’s character, Nina Winchester. What initially appears to be a dream job in a beautiful home with a seemingly lovely employer takes a dark turn on the very first day.

Seyfried's early career was significantly shaped by her experience on the HBO series "Big Love." After "Mean Girls," she landed the role of Sarah Henrickson, where she found a family-like support system in her on-screen parents, Bill Paxton and Jeanne Tripplehorn. She described feeling like their daughter, supported and taught by them, with Paxton’s directorial guidance being particularly impactful. She noted the lasting bonds formed, with her on-screen brother remaining one of her closest friends, highlighting how growing up on a show can deeply imprint on young actors.

Now, Seyfried is paying that support forward. Despite Sydney Sweeney's significant accomplishments, including popular TV roles, Emmy nominations, feature film leads, and a growing resume as a producer, Seyfried sees value in being a guiding light. Having just turned 40 and accumulated 25 years of industry experience, Seyfried feels a strong sense of protection towards Sweeney, confident she can offer valuable advice. She expressed, "The second I met her, I was like, 'I'll do anything for you.'"

Seyfried's motivation to support others stems not only from positive past experiences but also from early negative encounters with older actresses. She found these clashes disappointing and confusing as a young, non-threatening newcomer. Determined not to be that person for others, she believes in collaboration, stating, "I think we're better together. I'll share anything. Any moment. I'm an open fucking book for people if they want to know. I'm the first person who will be in someone's corner, especially if they're like, ‘What do I do?’ And I love that. I love being able to give advice.”

In addition to "The Housemaid," Seyfried stars in Mona Fastvold’s "The Testament of Ann Lee," an "absolute gem" described as a "not-quite musical, not-quite biopic about an obscure 18th-century religious leader." The film is praised for its unique authorial expressivity and Seyfried’s remarkable performance, which has positioned her as a major contender for a Best Actress Academy Award nomination. Reflecting on her previous Oscar nomination for "Mank" and Emmy win for "The Dropout," Seyfried expressed immense gratitude and joy, acknowledging the hard work and connections involved in campaign season.

Seyfried is particularly enthusiastic about campaigning for "The Testament of Ann Lee," recognizing that nominations lead to better business and opportunities. She values simply being "on the list" of considered actresses, understanding that moving higher up opens doors to more desirable projects. She acknowledges that while some opportunities require hard work to secure, others are simply given. Despite already having a wealth of opportunities, she remains hopeful for even more, reflecting on her talent, project choices, and positive influence on those around her.

Catch Amanda Seyfried in "The Housemaid" now in theaters and "The Testament of Ann Lee" beginning December 25th.