THE Apple TV+ original series “Dickinson,” starring 23-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, recently garnered a Peabody Award for Entertainment.
The series, of which Steinfeld also serves as executive producer, is a historical comedy-drama that revisits the world of famous American poet Emily Dickinson. It also explores the poet’s romantic feelings for best friend Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt).
“I am so proud to be part of a show that is about such an important woman in history who was way ahead of her time,” Steinfeld said in her acceptance speech, which was posted on her Twitter account on Wednesday, June 10.
She continued, “I’m even more proud to be part of a show that is about fighting for what you believe is right, a show that is about seeing and being seen and understood, and a show that is about seeing everyone as equal.”
Truly an honor. Thank you @PeabodyAwards.
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— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) June 11, 2020
The series debuted in November 2019 and was immediately renewed for a second season to be released later this year.
“Creator Alena Smith lovingly and playfully embraces anachronism, bringing a contemporary sense, sensibility, and soundtrack to 19th-century New England and the world of poet Emily Dickinson. Hailee Steinfeld offers a standout performance in a show that excels at being fun while crackling with energy and wild originality,” praised the Peabody Awards.
Steinfeld stressed the importance of shedding a light on marginalized stories and to fight for equality.
“I believe we must continue to shine a light and celebrate the stories of those who are marginalized and oppressed because by doing so we’re forced to think critically about how far we’ve come but how far we still have to go,” she said, adding, “Their stories matter and it’s so important that we continue to shine a light on these stories and fight for equality.”
“Dickinson” is one of the 10 shows recognized by the award-giving body, beating out almost 1,300 entries from television, radio, podcasts, and other forms of digital media.
“The Peabody Awards has named 30 programs as the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and digital media during 2019…The Peabody 30 are the best of nearly 1,300 entries submitted from television, radio/podcasts, and the web across the genres of entertainment, news, documentary, children’s and public service programming,” said Peabody Executive Director Jeffrey P. Jones in a statement.
He added, “This year’s winners are a vibrant collective of inspiring, innovative, and powerful stories. True to the spirit and legacy of Peabody, our winners are also distinguished by the presence and resilience of many emerging and diverse voices.”
Steinfeld, who was nominated for an Oscar at the age of 14 for her performance in “True Grit” (2010), traces her Filipino heritage back to her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, who was half-Filipino.
Aside from her acting career, Steinfeld is a multi-platinum recording artist and released an EP entitled “Half Written Story” in May.
