Hailee Steinfeld: influences, peers and legacy

Every connection with its receipt

Hailee Steinfeld arrived fully formed at thirteen opposite Jeff Bridges in the Coens' True Grit, then built two careers at once: a run of sharply observed teen roles and a pop catalog that shares studios with the biggest names of the 2010s. This mix traces the Arkansas novelist behind her breakthrough, the Los Angeles showbiz family she came from, the 19th-century poet she played, and the teen-film lineage her best work helped renew.

The Kynda mix for Hailee Steinfeld

• Key Influence · True Grit by Charles Portis (1968). Portis's novel is the direct source of Steinfeld's Mattie Ross, and the Coens adapted it far more faithfully than the 1969 film, keeping Portis's unpunctuated, formal, King James-inflected frontier diction. Steinfeld's entire performance is built on delivering that prose without contractions and at speed — the voice that won her an Oscar nomination at fourteen is Portis's sentence rhythm spoken aloud.
• Influencia Obscura · Norwood by Charles Portis (1966). Portis's first novel, written before True Grit and far less read, established the deadpan picaresque voice the Coens fell for: plainspoken Southern narrators who report absurdity without comment. Understanding Norwood explains why Mattie is funny as well as formidable, and why Steinfeld plays grief and business negotiation in the same unvarying tone rather than modulating for sympathy.
• Local Roots · Body by Jake by Jake Steinfeld (1988). Hailee grew up in the San Fernando Valley inside a showbusiness family: her uncle is Jake Steinfeld, the celebrity fitness trainer whose Body by Jake empire ran through 1980s and 1990s LA television, and her cousin True O'Brien also acts. That proximity to working Hollywood is why a Thousand Oaks kid was already auditioning steadily at eight, years before the Coens' open call found her.
• Beyond the Medium · The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson (1890). Steinfeld spent three seasons playing Dickinson in Alena Smith's Apple TV+ series, learning to deliver the poems as spoken thought inside an anachronistic comedy. The role required internalizing Dickinson's dashes, slant rhyme and compressed syntax, and it reshaped her public persona from teen-movie lead to something stranger — the series built whole episodes around single poems like 'Because I could not stop for Death.'
• Peer · Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig (2017). Saoirse Ronan is Steinfeld's closest contemporary: both were Oscar-nominated as teenagers for period roles, both spent the 2010s navigating prestige and youth cinema. Lady Bird arrived a year after The Edge of Seventeen with the same subject — a prickly, funny senior at war with her mother and her town — and the two films are routinely paired as the decade's definitive American teen-girl portraits.
• From the Canon · The Edge of Seventeen by Hailee Steinfeld (2016). Kelly Fremon Craig's debut gave Steinfeld her best showcase and a Golden Globe nomination: Nadine is abrasive, self-pitying and verbally relentless, and Steinfeld plays her without asking to be liked. It is the film that proved True Grit was not a fluke of casting — the same flat refusal of sentiment, relocated to a suburban high school and a script of enormous comic speed.
• Key Collaborator · Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Kelly Fremon Craig (2023). Fremon Craig wrote and directed The Edge of Seventeen specifically around Steinfeld, developing it over years with James L. Brooks producing. Her Judy Blume adaptation shows the same craft at a younger age bracket: adolescent humiliation played with exact comic timing and no condescension. The pairing defined Steinfeld's post-franchise reputation as a dramatic comic actress.
• Legacy · Eighth Grade by Bo Burnham (2018). Arriving two years after The Edge of Seventeen, Burnham's debut extended the same wave: a single awkward girl's interiority treated with total seriousness, comedy derived from cringe rather than jokes, and a newcomer lead asked to carry every scene. Elsie Fisher's performance was discussed in direct lineage with Steinfeld's Nadine as the new standard for unvarnished teen acting.

What influenced Hailee Steinfeld

• Justin Timberlake. Steinfeld cites Justin Timberlake as an influence. “Other artists Steinfeld has cited as influences include Britney Spears , Tori Kelly , Selena Gomez , Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake .” (Wikipedia)
• Tori Kelly. Steinfeld cites Tori Kelly as an influence. “Other artists Steinfeld has cited as influences include Britney Spears , Tori Kelly , Selena Gomez , Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake .” (Wikipedia)
• Rihanna (1988). Steinfeld names Rihanna as a major musical influence. “Steinfeld has cited Madonna and Rihanna as her biggest musical influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Norwood by Charles Portis (1966). Norwood (Charles Portis) — ghost for Hailee Steinfeld “A second film version, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld debuted in December 2010.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• 1989 by Taylor Swift (2014). 1989 (Taylor Swift) — culture for Hailee Steinfeld “Steinfeld starred as the Trinity in the music video for "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Bruno Mars (2004). Steinfeld cites Bruno Mars as an influence. “Other artists Steinfeld has cited as influences include Britney Spears , Tori Kelly , Selena Gomez , Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake .” (Wikipedia)
• True Grit by Charles Portis (1968). True Grit (Charles Portis) — titan for Hailee Steinfeld “A second film version, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld debuted in December 2010.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Madonna (1958). Steinfeld names Madonna as a major musical influence. “Steinfeld has cited Madonna and Rihanna as her biggest musical influences.” (Wikipedia)
• Britney Spears. Steinfeld cites Britney Spears as an influence. “Other artists Steinfeld has cited as influences include Britney Spears , Tori Kelly , Selena Gomez , Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake .” (Wikipedia)
• Luther Vandross (1969). Steinfeld says she grew up listening to Luther Vandross. “She has also said that she grew up listening to Boyz II Men and Luther Vandross due to her mother's love for them.” (Wikipedia)
• The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson (1890). The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson (Emily Dickinson) — culture for Hailee Steinfeld “She has portrayed Emily Dickinson in the Apple TV+ series Dickinson (2019–2021), and Kate Bishop in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• True O'Brien. Seeing O'Brien in a commercial inspired Steinfeld to pursue acting. “Her maternal first cousin, actress True O'Brien , appeared in a television commercial when Steinfeld was eight years old, which inspired her to pursue acting.” (Wikipedia)
• Boyz II Men (1988). Steinfeld says she grew up listening to Boyz II Men. “She has also said that she grew up listening to Boyz II Men and Luther Vandross due to her mother's love for them.” (Wikipedia)
• Selena Gomez (2002). Steinfeld cites Selena Gomez as an influence. “Other artists Steinfeld has cited as influences include Britney Spears , Tori Kelly , Selena Gomez , Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake .” (Wikipedia)
• Paper Moon by Peter Bogdanovich (1973). Paper Moon (Peter Bogdanovich) — ghost for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• True Grit by Henry Hathaway (1969). True Grit (Henry Hathaway) — titan for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Begin Again. Begin Again (John Carney) — culture for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• No Country for Old Men by Joel and Ethan Coen (2007). No Country for Old Men (Joel and Ethan Coen) — titan for Hailee Steinfeld

Peers and kindred spirits

• Taylor Swift (1989). Steinfeld appeared in Taylor Swift's Bad Blood video. (also via 1989) “Steinfeld starred as the Trinity in the music video for " Bad Blood " by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar .” (Wikipedia)
• Elizabeth Banks by Elizabeth Banks. Steinfeld’s Pitch Perfect 2 costar describes working under the film’s director, Elizabeth Banks. “SNOW: On this one, Elizabeth Banks really gave us the freedom to try things out, even if it didn't work. She knew that the more time that was given for improv, the more little things there would be that could get picked up, along the way.” (Collider)
• Anna Kendrick by Anna Kendrick. Steinfeld and Kendrick co-starred in Pitch Perfect 2. “Steinfeld co-starred in Pitch Perfect 2 , alongside Anna Kendrick , Rebel Wilson , and Elizabeth Banks , who also directed.” (Wikipedia)
• Kelly Fremon Craig by Kelly Fremon Craig. Steinfeld describes working with The Edge of Seventeen writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig. “Very early on, one of the first things Kelly said to me was if, at any point, something doesn't feel right, correct it, or make it feel right to you.” (Vox)
• Benny Blanco by Benny Blanco. Steinfeld appeared in the video for a Benny Blanco single. “In August 2019, Steinfeld featured on the music video for Benny Blanco and Juice Wrld 's single "Graduation".” (Wikipedia)
• Chen Linong by Chen Linong. Steinfeld and Chen Linong released Masterpiece together. “On May 28, 2020, Steinfeld released a single with Taiwanese singer Chen Linong , titled "Masterpiece".” (Wikipedia)
• Beyoncé. Hailee Steinfeld — covered beyonce for Beyoncé · hand-labeled by Tony Brancato, 2022 (also via Love On Top)
• Michael B. Jordan by Michael B. Jordan. A Sinners cast press-conference report names Jordan and Steinfeld together. “Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Benson Miller, Jayme Lawson and Ryan Coogler Talk About Sinners” (PopEntertainment.com)
• Juice Wrld by Juice WRLD. Steinfeld appeared in the music video for Juice WRLD and Benny Blanco’s Graduation. “benny blanco and Juice WRLD’s new video for “Graduation” is a hilarious montage dedicated to the future of the class of 2019, featuring young megastars such as Hailee Steinfeld, Lil Dicky, Noah Cyrus, David Dobrik, Madison Beer, Charlott…” (Billboard)
• Love On Top by Beyoncé. Steinfeld and the Pitch Perfect cast recorded a cover of Beyoncé's Love On Top. “Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow and the rest of the Bellas -- Alexis Knapp, Chrissie Fit, Kelley Jakle, Jama Mae Lee and Shelley Regner -- joined together to cover Beyoncé's "Love on Top."” (Good Morning America)
• Rebel Wilson by Rebel Wilson. Wilson and Steinfeld participated in the same Bellas charity recording. “Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow and the rest of the Bellas -- Alexis Knapp, Chrissie Fit, Kelley Jakle, Jama Mae Lee and Shelley Regner -- joined together to cover Beyoncé's "Love on Top."” (Good Morning America)
• Logic. Steinfeld featured on Logic's song Ordinary Day. “In September, she was featured on Logic 's album, YSIV , on the song "Ordinary Day" and on Chic 's album, It's About Time on the song "Dance with Me".” (Wikipedia)
• DNCE. DNCE featured on Steinfeld's remix of Rock Bottom. “In February 2016, Steinfeld released a remixed version of "Rock Bottom" , as the second single featuring American funk pop band DNCE .” (Wikipedia)
• Wunmi Mosaku by Wunmi Mosaku. Steinfeld responds to fellow Sinners cast member Wunmi Mosaku during a cast press conference. “In April 2025, Steinfeld appeared in Ryan Coogler 's film Sinners (2025) alongside Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku .” (Wikipedia)
• Julia Michaels. Michaels was a co-writer on Steinfeld's EP Haiz. “Haiz was produced by Mattman & Robin and features co-writers Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter .” (Wikipedia)
• Grey. Steinfeld collaborated with Grey on Starving. “The song is a collaboration with Grey featuring Zedd and became her biggest hit to date going platinum in Italy , New Zealand , Sweden , United Kingdom and the United States” (Wikipedia)
• Kendrick Lamar (1987). Steinfeld appeared in the video for Bad Blood, which featured Lamar. “Steinfeld starred as the Trinity in the music video for " Bad Blood " by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar .” (Wikipedia)
• Chic. Steinfeld featured on Chic's song Dance with Me. “In September, she was featured on Logic 's album, YSIV , on the song "Ordinary Day" and on Chic 's album, It's About Time on the song "Dance with Me".” (Wikipedia)
• Marc E. Bassy. Steinfeld featured on Marc E. Bassy's Plot Twist remix. “That same month she featured on the remix of "Plot Twist" by Marc E. Bassy .” (Wikipedia)
• Justin Tranter. Tranter was a co-writer on Steinfeld's EP Haiz. “Haiz was produced by Mattman & Robin and features co-writers Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter .” (Wikipedia)
• MNEK. Steinfeld and MNEK worked together on Colour. “Steinfeld then featured the song "Colour" with MNEK on June 1.” (Wikipedia)
• Andrew Watt. Andrew Watt featured on Steinfeld's Let Me Go. “Steinfeld released the single " Let Me Go ", a collaboration with Swedish record producer Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and Andrew Watt” (Wikipedia)
• Shawn Mendes. Steinfeld and Mendes released an acoustic recording together. “In July 2015, Steinfeld and singer Shawn Mendes released an acoustic version of Mendes' single, " Stitches ".” (Wikipedia)
• Brittany Snow by Brittany Snow. Snow recalls hearing Steinfeld sing while making Pitch Perfect 2 together. “BRITTANY SNOW: She was amazing! She has an amazing voice. I was completely shocked. I just had no idea that she could sing like that. And then, getting to hear her live was amazing.” (Collider)
• Ryan Coogler by Ryan Coogler. A Sinners press-conference report identifies Steinfeld alongside the film’s writer-director. “Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Benson Miller, Jayme Lawson and Ryan Coogler Talk About Sinners” (PopEntertainment.com)
• Zedd. Zedd featured on Steinfeld's collaboration Starving. “The song is a collaboration with Grey featuring Zedd and became her biggest hit to date going platinum in Italy , New Zealand , Sweden , United Kingdom and the United States” (Wikipedia)
• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Kelly Fremon Craig (2023). Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (Kelly Fremon Craig) — collaborator for Hailee Steinfeld “In September 2016, Steinfeld played the lead role in The Edge of Seventeen, a coming-of-age comedy co-starring Blake Jenner, Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgwick, and written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Anderson .Paak. Anderson .Paak featured on Steinfeld's Coast. “"Coast" was released on July 28, 2022, and was "a euphoric, guitar-and-percussion-driven single", featuring American rapper Anderson .Paak .” (Wikipedia)
• Drax Project. Steinfeld featured on Drax Project's Woke Up Late remix. “In January 2019, Steinfeld featured on the remix of " Woke Up Late " by Drax Project .” (Wikipedia)
• Florida Georgia Line. Florida Georgia Line featured on Steinfeld's Let Me Go. “Steinfeld released the single " Let Me Go ", a collaboration with Swedish record producer Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and Andrew Watt” (Wikipedia)
• Alesso. Steinfeld collaborated with Alesso on Let Me Go. “Steinfeld released the single " Let Me Go ", a collaboration with Swedish record producer Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and Andrew Watt” (Wikipedia)
• Hexed. Hailee Steinfeld is named as a voice actor in the film. “It stars the voices of Hailee Steinfeld , Rashida Jones , Jodie Foster , Walton Goggins , Tracey Ullman and Stephen Fry .” (Wikipedia)
• Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler (2013). Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — collaborator for Hailee Steinfeld “In April 2025, Steinfeld appeared in Ryan Coogler's film Sinners (2025) alongside Michael B.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Machine Gun Kelly. Steinfeld featured on Machine Gun Kelly's single At My Best. “In March, Steinfeld was featured on American rapper Machine Gun Kelly 's single " At My Best " taken from his third studio album Bloom .” (Wikipedia)
• Euphoria by Sam Levinson (2019). Euphoria (Sam Levinson) — peer for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Kubo and the Two Strings. Kubo and the Two Strings (Travis Knight) — collaborator for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• The Witch by Robert Eggers (2015). The Witch (Robert Eggers) — peer for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Cameron Crowe) — geography for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig (2017). Lady Bird (Greta Gerwig) — peer for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Clueless by Amy Heckerling (1995). Clueless (Amy Heckerling) — geography for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)

…and 1 more on the map above.

Who Hailee Steinfeld influenced

• Eighth Grade by Bo Burnham (2018). Eighth Grade (Bo Burnham) — legacy for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)
• Booksmart by Olivia Wilde (2019). Booksmart (Olivia Wilde) — legacy for Hailee Steinfeld (themoviedb.org)