Hailee Steinfeld didn't appreciate the enormity of being nominated for an Oscar at the age of 14.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld

The Hollywood star, now 19, was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2011 for her role in the Western movie 'True Grit' - but Hailee has admitted she only recently came to understand her achievement.

Hailee - who joined a select list of teenage nominees that includes Jodie Foster and Saoirse Ronan - said: "Looking back on that, I really feel like I'm so much more aware of what that meant now, then I could have done then.

"It was really an unforgettable experience. To be recognised for your work in any way shape or form, that is a true honour."

Hailee plays the role of a self-centered high-school student in 'The Edge of Seventeen' and she explained why the role was one she particularly enjoyed.

She told the Independent: "One thing that I love so much about this character is that for a while, I got the feeling that people felt like I'd skipped out on this period in my life that I play in the movie.

"I really didn't. I had a very different experience as a teenager than most."

Hailee started home schooling after he success in 'True Grit' and she admitted to experiencing difficulties during her own academic career.

She shared: "I was very awkward. What else? I had a tough time in school, trying to find my way and figure out who I was and how I was supposed to fit in."