The Testament of Ann Lee NYC Screening: Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman & Cast Bring an Intimate, Elegant Premiere to Crosby Street Hotel

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Dec 10

Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

A warm, quietly starry New York screening — anchored by Amanda Seyfried and Lewis Pullman’s easy camaraderie and a rare live performance inside the room.

Searchlight Pictures brought awards season to downtown Manhattan on Tuesday night with an intimate FYC event for The Testament of Ann Lee, gathering cast, creatives, and industry voters at the Crosby Street Hotel. Amanda Seyfried and Lewis Pullman led the arrivals with a calm, grounded presence that matched the film’s meditative tone, giving the evening a deliberate focus that set it apart from December’s louder contenders.

Seyfried and Pullman drew the majority of early flashbulbs when they shared a lighthearted fist bump while greeting press — a small gesture that immediately went viral for its sweetness. Both actors leaned into quiet, classic looks that reflected the film’s restrained aesthetic, setting a cohesive tone before guests even entered the theater.

They were joined by an ensemble that highlighted the breadth of Fastvold’s cast: Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, and David Cale all posed together and separately, creating a mix of familiar indie faces and prestige talent that has already defined the film’s awards-season conversation. Fastvold moved through the arrivals line in a crisp, minimalist look, fielding congratulations from guests as anticipation for the film’s Christmas Day release continued to build.

Adding to the energy of the night were several high-profile supporters — Giancarlo Esposito and Gina Gershon among them — who stopped for photos and spoke warmly about the film’s early buzz. Their presence helped shape the screening into something broader than a standard press event, giving The Testament of Ann Lee the kind of crowded, conversation-generating moment most December releases are fighting for.

Inside the theater, Seyfried provided one of the night’s standout moments: a live musical performance echoing the sequences she performs in the film. Photos of the intimate set circulated online immediately, further reinforcing the actor’s long-standing connection to musical storytelling and giving the room a rare surprise for a winter screening.

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

The film — a Christmas Day release — remains one of the season’s quieter but most anticipated titles, positioned strongly after festival reactions and early critical notices. Tuesday’s NYC event worked as both a celebratory showcase for its cast and a focused reminder of why The Testament of Ann Lee is poised to resonate with audiences seeking something lyrical and grounded amid December’s louder offerings.