True Grit child star: I could tackle the Western dialogue

Oscar nominated 14-year-old star Hailee Steinfeld, has said her ability to tackle the dialogue may have been the reason she was chosen to star in True Grit.

The actress was speaking in Tokyo ahead of the Japanese premiere of the movie.

The Coen brothers' Western remake, in the race for Best Picture in the Academy Awards, is the story of a young girl's quest to track down her father's killer.

The story is based on a novel by Charles Portis, originally made into a 1969 film which earned its star, John Wayne, his only Oscar.

Los Angeles born Steinfield was chosen from more than 5,000 actors to play Mattie Ross.