Since its release, 'You Can See Everything' has captivated audiences and critics alike, not least for the surprising and multifaceted appearance of Amanda Seyfried. While the film is on track to be a significant financial success for a documentary, the conversation around it quickly pivoted to Seyfried's eligibility for an acting Oscar, a campaign A24 is actively pursuing, as reported by Variety.

Seyfried's involvement in the film is unique. She spends much of her screen time as herself, reacting in real-time to the unfolding narrative and grappling with the moral complexities of her past work. However, she also reprises her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning role as disgraced tech founder Elizabeth Holmes, re-enacting co-director Nathan Fielder’s remembered interactions with Holmes. This dual presence blurs the lines between documentary subject and traditional acting, posing a fascinating challenge to awards conventions.

The actress, who previously inhabited the role of Holmes in Hulu's 'The Dropout,' navigates an even more intricate portrayal in 'You Can See Everything.' She meets real-life figures connected to Holmes, including her husband Billy Evans and their children, engaging in raw, unscripted conversations. This interaction forces Seyfried to confront the ethical implications of dramatizing a living person's story, particularly one with such profound real-world consequences. Her vulnerability in these moments, openly questioning her own understanding and impact, is a significant part of her screen presence.

Variety highlights a particularly poignant scene where Seyfried visits Evans, reflecting on her journey. While some of her work involves traditional 'acting' in the sense of re-enactment, other moments see her simply being — processing information, expressing genuine confusion, and defending her own public stances. The article suggests this raw, exposed aspect of her performance transcends mere character portrayal. Seyfried herself grapples with the responsibility of her previous role, admitting that while Holmes didn't literally say or do everything depicted in 'The Dropout,' the performance aimed to capture the essence of a person unconcerned with scientific accuracy. Reflecting on this, Seyfried concluded, “I didn’t do that to her. She did that to herself.” She then adds, after attempting to justify her past work, that “It’s very complicated.”

This daring approach has been lauded as a career high for Seyfried, who has consistently challenged herself across genres. Her willingness to expose her thought process and uncertainties on camera, allowing viewers into the moral quandary of an actor portraying a real person, positions her as one of her generation's most daring stars. While the precedent for such a nomination is rare (Maria Bakalova in the 2020 'Borat' sequel comes to mind), many argue that Seyfried's contribution to 'You Can See Everything' is more profound than any single award, sparking discussions that will resonate far beyond Oscar season.