The 2026 Oscars were a big night for the film “Sinners,” but one of its stars was noticeably absent.
Hailee Steinfeld did not attend the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, even though the movie was one of the most talked-about films of the night. The reason was simple. She is preparing to welcome her first child. Steinfeld is expecting a baby with her husband, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and according to her co-star Michael B. Jordan, the actress was home getting ready for the arrival.
During his Best Actor acceptance speech, Jordan gave Steinfeld a heartfelt shoutout while thanking the cast.
“Hailee at home… she’s getting ready to have a baby right now,” Jordan said while addressing the audience.
The absence came during a major awards night for the film. “Sinners” earned a record-breaking 16 nominations and ultimately took home four Oscars, including Jordan’s Best Actor win.
“Sinners” Had a Huge Night at the Oscars
While Steinfeld stayed home, the rest of the “Sinners” cast celebrated the film’s historic night in Hollywood.
Jordan’s Best Actor victory marked a major milestone in his career. He won the award over nominees Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” and Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent.”
Earlier in awards season, Jordan reflected on what the recognition meant to him. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said being included among the year’s top performances felt surreal.
“I’ve admired and seen the Academy and the other actors in the movies and filmmakers that I’ve looked up to and been inspired by my whole life,” Jordan said. “To be in those conversations and in that company is a solidifying feeling.”
Director Ryan Coogler, who previously worked with Jordan on projects like “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther,” also praised the actor’s performance in the film. According to Variety, Coogler said Jordan took his work to a new level in “Sinners.”
“I do think he stepped it up to another level on this,” Coogler said. “To see him recognized by his peers and other folks in the industry, I know that would mean a lot to him.”
Steinfeld Is Preparing for Her First Baby
Steinfeld’s absence from the ceremony came as she and Allen prepare to welcome their first child together. The couple announced the pregnancy in December.
In a recent newsletter, Steinfeld shared that she has been spending time preparing for the baby and reflecting on the life change ahead. She wrote that their family is about to grow and described the experience as deeply meaningful.
Meanwhile, Allen has also spoken publicly about becoming a father, calling it “the most important thing I’ll ever be in my life,” according to Cosmopolitan.
Interestingly, Steinfeld’s co-star Wunmi Mosaku, who is also pregnant, did attend the Oscars. Mosaku walked the red carpet in Los Angeles and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Sinners.” She later told E! News that the cast bonded during long night shoots by playing games like Rummikub and Bananagrams.
Even though Steinfeld missed the ceremony, the film still had a major night. And as Jordan’s speech made clear, one of its stars had a pretty important reason for staying home.
