Hailee Steinfeld, known for her standout role in Sinners, shared a heartwarming moment with Adam Sandler at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. The actress revealed her genuine excitement when Sandler, a longtime favorite in her household, waved her over and praised her performance on the red carpet, offering congratulations and friendly support.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments and Celebrity Interactions
Following the announcement of the 2026 Golden Globe winners, Steinfeld posted behind-the-scenes content that captured her encounters with fellow stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Ethan Hawke, and Ayo Edebiri. Among those she highlighted was Adam Sandler, whose warm gesture caught her by surprise. She explained how Sandler’s films are a constant presence in her home, mentioning a recent movie night featuring Just Go With It and how his work once inspired creative Halloween costumes.
For context, Adam Sandler is a permanent fixture in our house. We always have one of his movies on (the other night it was Just Go With It). He even inspired our Halloween costumes a few years ago. So when Adam Sandler waved me down by the entrance to the Globes, and said, ‘Hey, buddy! I loved Sinners! You’re doing amazing. And congrats to Josh!’ I could not wait to tell my husband.
— Hailee Steinfeld, Actress
The referenced costumes were of iconic characters Bobby Boucher and Vicki Vallencourt from The Waterboy, which Steinfeld and her husband, NFL quarterback Josh Allen, dressed as during Halloween. Their shared admiration for Sandler’s filmography was clear, blending seamlessly with the actress’s gratitude for his genuine encouragement in person.
Mutual Admiration Between Hailee Steinfeld and Adam Sandler
This exchange revealed a sincere mutual admiration. Adam Sandler not only complimented Sinners but also acknowledged Steinfeld’s husband, Josh Allen, who had a Buffalo Bills game on the same day. Sandler’s recognition demonstrated his warmth and attentiveness away from the cameras, making the red carpet moment even more memorable.

Steinfeld’s enjoyment of Sandler’s work and his recognition have sparked speculation among fans about a potential project that could bring them together on screen. The thought of a collaboration involving Steinfeld and Sandler is exciting, particularly with ties to pop culture references like their playful Halloween costumes and Allen’s NFL background, which connects to previous NFL star cameos such as Travis Kelce’s appearance in Happy Gilmore 2.
Streaming and Awards Buzz Surrounding Sinners
Sinners, the critically acclaimed movie featuring Steinfeld, is currently available on HBO Max, where subscribers can enjoy the film alongside other celebrated movies and shows. Its positive reception during awards season further amplifies the buzz around Steinfeld’s rising career and the support she received from industry veterans like Adam Sandler.
Looking Ahead: Potential Collaborations and Continued Success
The friendly interaction between Hailee Steinfeld and Adam Sandler at the Golden Globes not only highlights their admiration for each other but also fuels hopeful anticipation for future joint ventures. Given Steinfeld’s proven talent and genuine appreciation for Sandler’s work, fans remain optimistic about the chances of them appearing together in upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Sinners continues to attract attention, promising more engaging stories and celebrations during this awards season.
