Quvenzhané Wallis Cast as Lead in Annie

The youngest Oscar nominee in history replaces Willow Smith.

Posted: 02/25/2013 09:15 AM EST

It’s about to become a hard knock life for the youngest nominee in Oscar history. Deadline is reporting that Quvenzhané Wallis is now the star of the Annie remake.

This news caps off a dreamy year and awards season for the 9-year-old actress. The Beasts of the Southern Wild star was the toast of last year’s Sundance film festival and was a fixture on all of this year's A-list award show red carpets.

The re-imagined contemporary take on Annie will shoot later this year and will be released in time for the holiday season in 2014. Wallis, whose powerhouse acting debut was critically lauded, will get the opportunity to showcase her singing and dancing talents in the musical. Wallis replaces Willow Smith, who dropped out of the project earlier this month.

Both Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are producing the film through their Overbrook production company. Jay-Z, in addition to providing music for the film’s score, is also an Annie producer through his Marcy Media banner. 

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop DoggR. Kelly,  Erykah BaduKendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Videos You May Like

Comments

The Dos and Don’ts of Winning the Lottery

Hitting the jackpot can have serious consequences. 11/28/2012

Sports Rewind: Turkish Soccer Team Plans to Don Blackface

Plus, Chad Johnson faces arrest warrant, Beckham retires. 05/16/2013

Cash Kings: 15 Highest Paid Black Athletes

"Money" Mayweather and more top-earning stars. 05/15/2013

Out and About: Mariah Carey On Stage at American Idol Season Finale

Plus pics of Kim K., Amber Rose, Drake and more. 05/17/2013

Dirty Laundry: Scandalous Details Artists Reveal in Songs

Kelly Rowland is just the latest musician to air things out. 05/15/2013

Brainiacs: Celebs Who Attended Ivy League Schools

Who walked the halls of Harvard, Princeton and Yale? 05/16/2013