Sydney Sweeney Named in Berlin's Hot List

The actress is set to star in and produce the literary adaptation "The Custom of the Country".

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Sydney Sweeney has been named in Berlin's Hot List, a prestigious list of the most talked-about stars at the European Film Market (EFM). Sweeney is set to star in and produce the literary adaptation "The Custom of the Country", based on the classic Edith Wharton novel. The film will be directed and written by Josie Rourke, with Sweeney playing the lead role of Undine Spragg, an ambitious Midwest woman trying to climb the social ladder in turn-of-the-century New York.

Why it matters

Sydney Sweeney's inclusion in Berlin's Hot List highlights her growing status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. The Custom of the Country is a prestigious literary adaptation that could further boost Sweeney's profile and lead to more high-profile projects. The film's setting in early 20th century New York also provides an opportunity to explore themes of social class and ambition that were central to Wharton's original novel.

The details

Sweeney will play Undine Spragg, a character described as "armed with beauty, daring/hustle, and sheer force of will and unwavering ambition" as she battles the entrenched elite of turn-of-the-century New York. Casting director Nina Gold will build the supporting cast around Sweeney. The 28-year-old actress had a mixed bag of success in 2025, with only The Housemaid performing decently at the box office. She hopes The Custom of the Country will help turn the tide and land prestige international buyers.

  • Sydney Sweeney was named in Berlin's Hot List in February 2026.

The players

Sydney Sweeney

A 28-year-old actress set to star in and produce the literary adaptation "The Custom of the Country".

Josie Rourke

The director and writer of "The Custom of the Country" adaptation, known for directing "Mary Queen of Scots".

Undine Spragg

The lead character that Sydney Sweeney will play, described as an ambitious Midwest woman trying to climb the social ladder in turn-of-the-century New York.

Nina Gold

The casting director who will build the supporting cast around Sydney Sweeney for "The Custom of the Country".

StudioCanal

The production company behind "The Custom of the Country" who previously collaborated with Sweeney on "The Housemaid".

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What they’re saying

“The book whistles with modernity, and as I was writing this adaptation, Sydney Sweeney lived in my head as this iconic character — it's as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her.”

— Josie Rourke, Director and writer of "The Custom of the Country" (Variety)

The takeaway

Sydney Sweeney's inclusion in Berlin's Hot List demonstrates her growing status as a rising star, and the opportunity to take on the lead role in the prestigious literary adaptation "The Custom of the Country" could further boost her profile and lead to more high-profile projects in the future.