‘Beasts’ Star, Youngest Oscar Nominee, Poised After Nod

Nine-year-old became the youngest Academy Award nominated for best actress

Quvenzhane Wallis’s parents have started her on the road to a successful acting career really young. After making a smart choice to star in “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” one of the most critically acclaimed independent films of 2012, Wallis on Thursday became the youngest person nominated in the Academy Awards’ best actress category. At just 9-year-old, Wallis is said to be taking the news in stride. "I woke up, and (my mother) said, 'You've been nominated! You're nominated!'" Wallis said of learning she's up for the award. "I was like, 'Oh my God!' But it was on the inside. It wasn't on the outside." Wallis has never watched an Oscar ceremony; but like any pre-teen, she would be excited to attended and meet “everyone from the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon – but not Nick at Nite.” Wallis has been nominated for a Spirit Award and already has some awards under her belt, for her performance in “Beasts.” (Associated Press)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]