Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Hailee Steinfeld

In life, it’s important to be able to laugh at yourself and, in this interview, Hailee does just that. The movie, which is a spin-off of the series of the same name, sees Zach Galifianakis take a hilariously brutal and unique approach to interviewing celebs. Although Steinfeld can barely get a word in, she plays along brilliantly - no matter how inappropriate his questions are or, how much he tears into her career. The actress and singer plays off Galifianakis so well that we hope to see them co-star again someday.

Shortly after her 21st birthday, and while promoting “Bumblebee”, Hailee stepped up to Jimmy Fallon in a Beat Battle. For three rounds, they took turns singing to a rhythm provided by “The Roots”. Steinfeld proved just how versatile she is by choosing songs from different genres and eras, even if she’s yet to get acquainted with “The Pet Shop Boys”. She and Jimmy make an awesome team, as it feels more like they’re bouncing off one another rather than facing off. But it is a battle after all, so there must be a winner. For us, Hailee just has the edge: sorry, Jimmy!

You know someone’s talented when they manage to make a major impact with their voice alone. She plays Gwen Stacy slash Spider-Woman in the Academy Award-winning 2018 computer-animated superhero flick. Her voice acting is on-point, the character suits her so well and her performance is a total knockout. So, naturally, we were delighted to learn that she’d be back for the sequel, which is set for a 2022 release. There have even been whispers about a female-centric spin-off that we can only assume would focus on her character. Here’s hoping a Spider-Woman movie isn’t all that far off in the future, and that they keep Hailee on as their star.

Back in 2018, Hailee Steinfeld was given the honor of hosting the EMAs in the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain. Opening the star-studded ceremony, she gave us an exciting, action-filled skit that even involved lasers. It also artistically showcased some of that night’s featured artists. After successfully retrieving the award in the skit, she makes a very glamorous entrance onto the main stage. We already knew that she was a triple threat, but she also shows us that she knows how to fire up the crowd as well. If there was a prize for hosting the EMAs, we’re sure that Hailee would have it in the bag.

While Hailee has served up plenty of iconic looks at the Met Gala, it was her 10th attendance in 2021 that got everyone talking. She wore the Magnetosphere dress designed by Iris van Herpen, which was made out of upcycled ocean plastic. However, it was her new short blonde locks that rendered her almost completely unrecognizable. It was such a huge change from the Hailee we knew until now. Many fans had to take a second, third, and even fourth look at the pictures just to be sure that it was definitely her. She absolutely brought her A-game and the transformation is phenomenal.

Many of us were first introduced to this rising star when she played Emily Junk in “Pitch Perfect 2”. While sequels don’t always hold up against the original, she was a charming newbie for the Barden Bellas and a welcome addition to the franchise. Her entire performance is rather endearing and very entertaining. But it’s when she sings “Flashlight” that we all sat up and took notice. By the end, we had almost forgotten that she wasn’t even in the first movie as she was a perfect fit. Of course, we were thrilled when she was reunited with the others for the third installment too.

Adolescence can be awkward at the best of times, but when your best friend and brother start dating, it can get pretty lonely too. Steinfeld plays Nadine in this comedy-drama and does so wonderfully. While there’s certainly an abundance of coming-of-age stories out there, it’s Steinfeld’s performance that makes this one a cut above the rest. Her range of emotion is something many teen viewers would be able to relate to. She also has amazing chemistry with her favorite teacher, played by Woody Harrelson. Steinfeld knows how to make her audience laugh and cry while simultaneously relaying the movie's heartfelt message.

Some actors wait years for an Academy Award nod, but for Hailee Steinfeld, it came with her silver screen debut. In the Coen Brothers’ 2010 movie, “True Grit”, she played Mattie Ross, a young girl determined to track down her father’s killer. While it sounds like an emotionally demanding role for someone so young, she plays it superbly. In fact, she impressed so many people that she received countless nominations for the role. There was a lot of Oscar buzz at the time as well. Although she didn’t win, she became one of the youngest “Best Supporting Actress” nominees, aged just 14.

During this live celebration of Michael Jackson’s legacy, Hailee channeled the King of Pop for an electric performance. Going head-to-head...to head with three very talented performers, she really captured MJ’s spirit. She was up against Laverne Cox’s hair-tastic “Dirty Diana”, Taraji. P Henson’s unforgettable “Beat It” and Neil Patrick Harris’s very smooth “Smooth Criminal”. However, it was her rendition of “The Way You Make Me Feel” that had audiences feeling pretty great. Complete with the perfect outfit and iconic moves, she totally stole the show and took the lip-sync crown - or rather belt, too. Can you believe that she did all that with a cold as well?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

When She Had to Keep MCU Secrets, “The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-)
Keeping Marvel’s Secrets Sounds Like an Action Movie in Itself

When She Collaborated with Machine Gun Kelly
Apparently, the BTS Experience Wasn’t Quite as Cool as the Music Video

When She & Grey Worked with Zedd, “Starving” (2016)
It Became Her Highest-Charting Single at the Time

When She Reunited with the Bellas for Charity
The Group Channeled Their Inner Queen Beys for UNICEF

When She Shared Snacks with Mila Kunis, “The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-)
Clearly, the Best Way to Make Celeb Friends Is Through Their Stomachs

Proving that there’s nothing she can’t do, Steinfeld plays a more contemporary version of the famous poet, Emily Dickinson in this comedy. The Apple TV+ series is a coming-of-age story that sees the young poet try to find her place in the world. Even though it’s set in the 19th century, the character is totally relatable and very likable. Steinfeld brings so much charm to the role and is incredibly funny as well. It’s just the fun, sassy, and uplifting show we could all use right now, all helmed by Steinfeld’s tremendous talent. If anyone was going to make a millennial period drama work, it would have to be her.