A Private Party on the Red Carpet: How Hailee Steinfeld Pulled Florence Pugh Out of a “Black Hole” at the Met Gala
The intense pressure cooker of a high-profile event like the Met Gala can be overwhelming, even for seasoned stars. For actress Florence Pugh, the relentless scrutiny of the flashbulbs once triggered a moment of profound panic, but she was saved by the immediate, life-saving intervention of her best friend, Hailee Steinfeld.
The friendship between the two stars, who affectionately call each other “Flo” and “Haiz,” is a powerful example of sisterhood conquering the isolating pressures of Hollywood fame, often turning daunting red carpet moments into private, shared “parties.”
The “Black Hole” of the Met Gala
Florence Pugh, who has earned massive acclaim for her roles in films like Little Women and Oppenheimer, has openly discussed her struggle with anxiety and the feeling of intense exposure at massive public events. She recounts a particularly intense moment at a Met Gala where the crushing weight of the world’s media attention became too much.
Pugh tearfully recounted the feeling of spiraling into a “black hole” of panic, feeling completely exposed and scrutinized, as if the whole world had suddenly turned its back on her. In that moment of intense vulnerability, she felt utterly alone amidst thousands of blinding flashlights.
It was Hailee Steinfeld—herself a veteran of the demanding Hollywood scene—who recognized the subtle signs of her friend’s panic immediately. Pugh stated that Hailee is always the one who “saw through my panic when the whole world turned its back on me.”
The Friendship That Became a Lifeline
Steinfeld’s reaction was instinctive and immediate. Instead of allowing Pugh to sink into her anxiety, she physically and emotionally intervened, providing a crucial sense of grounding and reassurance. Steinfeld’s method was simple yet profoundly effective: she transformed the terrifying public spectacle into an intimate, private moment between friends.
Pugh recalls that Hailee immediately tried to cheer her up, whispering jokes, sharing genuine moments of connection, and reassuring her that they were there together. Steinfeld has been vocal about how quickly she and Pugh “hit it off,” citing their similar energy and wicked sense of humor.
The friendship, Pugh says, turns those daunting red carpet moments into a private “party” for the two of them.
This emotional rescue is a testament to the powerful, supportive bond between the two actresses. Their friendship transcends professional rivalry, with both women often using their social media platforms to celebrate each other’s achievements and share goofy, authentic moments.
This dynamic became especially important for both women as they navigated the complexities of their respective Marvel Cinematic Universe franchises: Pugh entering as Yelena Belova (who is also close friends with Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop in the MCU series Hawkeye) and Steinfeld leading the Hawkeye series. Their private friendship mirrors their dynamic on-screen, proving that their connection is a lifeline that helps them survive the harsh glare of the flashlights.