Hailee Steinfeld’s Oscars absence quickly grabbed the headlines. While the cast of Sinners gathered under the bright lights of the Academy Awards, the actress stayed away from the ceremony for a far more personal reason. Steinfeld is expecting her first child with Josh Allen, and the couple chose to remain at home as her due date draws near.The decision surprised some viewers who had followed the film’s remarkable awards run. Hailee Steinfeld had been present earlier in the season, including a January appearance at the Golden Globe Awards where her growing baby bump drew attention. But as Sunday’s ceremony approached, the signs pointed to a quieter evening for the actress, even as her film chased history with a record number of nominations.
Why Hailee Steinfeld’s Oscars absence happened as Sinners chased history
The absence had less to do with the film and everything to do with timing. In a message to readers of her Beau Society newsletter on March 13, Steinfeld reflected warmly on the experience of making Sinners while also hinting at why she might skip the ceremony.“When asked to recall a moment from press or filming that made her smile,” she wrote, “At this moment, being two days away from the Oscars, I know there is no one single particular moment that can encapsulate what this filming experience meant to me. These people have left a mark on me and on my heart that will never go away.”The message felt reflective and personal. It also came with a clear update on her life off screen. Steinfeld had already shared with subscribers that she was “about to have a baby,” and the timeline placed her very close to the due date.Reports on Oscars night confirmed what many had begun to suspect. Instead of joining co stars such as Michael B. Jordan on the red carpet, Steinfeld remained at home with Allen as they prepared for the arrival of their first child. The film itself, directed by Ryan Coogler, entered the ceremony with an extraordinary 16 nominations, including Best Picture.Even without her physical presence, Steinfeld remained closely tied to the moment. She plays Mary in the film opposite Jordan, and the project has been one of the most celebrated releases of the year. Earlier this month, the ensemble also picked up Best Ensemble Cast honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, further building momentum ahead of the Oscars.Meanwhile, Allen has been open about the life change awaiting him. Speaking during an event tied to the Buffalo Bills, the quarterback reflected on the new role that will soon define him more than football.“But this is the most important thing I’ll ever be in my life, being a dad,” Allen said. “And I know I love being a football player, and I love being a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. But I’m looking forward to this one.”Fans have also begun speculating about another detail. Photos shared in Steinfeld’s Beau Society newsletter sparked guesses about the baby’s gender, though the couple has not confirmed anything publicly.For now, the spotlight may belong to Sinners on Hollywood’s biggest night. Yet for Steinfeld, the real milestone is arriving away from the cameras.
