Known for her work in independent films , often appearing in controversial or experimental features, Sevigny is the recipient of several accolades , including a Golden Globe Award , as well as a nomination for an Academy Award. After graduating from high school, Sevigny found work as a model, and appeared in music videos for Sonic Youth and The Lemonheads , which helped acquire her " it girl " status.
In , she made her film debut in Kids , and became a prominent performer in the independent film scene throughout the late s, with roles in such films as 's Trees Lounge. Throughout the s, Sevigny appeared in supporting parts in numerous independent films, including American Psycho , Demonlover ; Party Monster and Dogville both ; and The Brown Bunny Her participation in the latter caused considerable controversy due to a scene in which she performed graphic unsimulated fellatio.
Sevigny made her directorial debut in with the short film Kitty. She also has a career in fashion design concurrent with her acting work. Over the years, her alternative fashion sense has earned her a reputation as a style icon. According to Sevigny, she added the diaeresis to her first name later in life, and it was not on her birth certificate. He wanted us to grow up in a really safe environment. As a child, Sevigny was diagnosed with scoliosis , but never received any surgical treatment for it.
While in high school, she often babysat actor Topher Grace and his younger sister. Sevigny described herself as a "loner" and a "depressed teenager" whose only extracurricular activities were occasionally skateboarding with her older brother and sewing her own clothes.
She has said that her father was aware of her experimentation, and even told her that it was okay, but that she had "to stop if she had bad trips ". Sevigny later stated about her teenage drug use that "I had a great family life—I would never want it to look as if it reflected on them. I think I was very bored I often feel it's because I experimented when I was younger that I have no interest as an adult. I know a lot of adults who didn't, and it's much more dangerous when you start experimenting with drugs as an adult.
