Introduction
Quvenzhané Wallis is an American actress and author who made history as the youngest-ever nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress at just 9 years old for her breakout role in Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012). Born on August 28, 2003, in Houma, Louisiana, Wallis quickly rose to fame with her raw talent, charisma, and undeniable screen presence.
Beyond acting, she has also ventured into writing children’s books, modeling for Armani Junior, and voicing characters in animated films like Trolls. Despite starting her career as a child star, Wallis has managed to transition gracefully into young adulthood, continuing to take on meaningful roles in Hollywood.
This article explores her life, career milestones, latest projects, and personal journey, backed by credible sources such as IMDb, The New York Times, Variety, and Forbes.
Who is Quvenzhané Wallis?
Quvenzhané Wallis is a trailblazing actress who redefined child stardom with her Oscar-nominated performance at an age when most kids are still in elementary school.
Also read: /micah-alberti/
Key Facts About Quvenzhané Wallis:
- Full Name: Quvenzhané Wallis
- Birth Date: August 28, 2003
- Birthplace: Houma, Louisiana, USA
- Parents: Qulyndreia (teacher) and Venjie Wallis Sr. (truck driver)
- Siblings: Qunyquekya, Vejon, and Venjie Jr.
- Claim to Fame: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
How She Got Her Start:
- At 5 years old, she lied about her age to audition for Beasts of the Southern Wild (the minimum age was 6).
- She beat 4,000 other girls for the role of Hushpuppy, a fierce and resilient child living in the Louisiana bayou.
- Her performance earned her Oscar, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice nominations, making her the youngest Best Actress nominee in history.
Wallis’s natural acting ability and magnetic presence set her apart from typical child actors, proving that talent knows no age.
Quvenzhané Wallis Movies and TV Shows
Wallis has built an impressive filmography, ranging from indie dramas to big-budget musicals. Below is a table of her most notable works:
| Year | Title | Role | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Beasts of the Southern Wild | Hushpuppy | Oscar-nominated, Youngest Best Actress nominee |
| 2013 | 12 Years a Slave | Margaret Northup | Academy Award-winning film |
| 2014 | Annie (Remake) | Annie Bennett | Golden Globe-nominated |
| 2016 | Trolls (Voice) | Harper | Animated musical hit |
| 2019 | Black-ish (TV) | Kyra | Guest appearance |
| 2021 | Swagger (Apple TV+) | Crystal | Recurring role |
Standout Performances:
- Hushpuppy (Beasts of the Southern Wild) – A tour-de-force performance that showcased her emotional depth.
- Annie (Annie 2014) – Proved she could sing, dance, and carry a major studio film.
- Margaret (12 Years a Slave) – A small but impactful role in a Best Picture winner.
Wallis has successfully avoided the “child star curse”, carefully selecting roles that challenge her as an actress.
Quvenzhané Wallis Awards and Nominations
Despite her young age, Wallis has already racked up prestigious accolades:
Major Awards & Nominations:
- Academy Award (Oscar) Nomination – Best Actress (Beasts of the Southern Wild)
- Golden Globe Nomination – Best Actress (Annie)
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award Nomination – Best Young Actor
- NAACP Image Award Winner – Outstanding Actress (Beasts of the Southern Wild)
- Satellite Award Winner – Breakthrough Performance
Historic Achievements:
Youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee ever (9 years old).
First person born in the 21st century to receive an Oscar nomination.
Youngest face of a luxury brand (Armani Junior) at age 10.
Wallis’s early success set a new standard for young actors in Hollywood.
Quvenzhané Wallis Husband: Is She Married?
As of 2025, Quvenzhané Wallis is not married and has no public relationships. She has kept her personal life private, focusing on her career and education.
Dating Rumors:
- No confirmed relationships have been reported.
- She has occasionally attended red carpet events with family members.
Given her age (21 in 2025), Wallis seems to be prioritizing her career over romance.
Quvenzhané Wallis Age and Height
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 21 years old |
| Birthday | August 28, 2003 |
| Height | 4’11” (150 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 46 kg |
Despite her petite stature, Wallis has a commanding presence on screen.
Quvenzhané Wallis in 2025: What’s Next?
As of 2025, Wallis is actively pursuing acting while also exploring new creative avenues.
Upcoming Projects:
- Potential film & TV roles (yet to be announced).
- Possible new book releases (she previously authored A Night Out with Mama).
Recent Work:
- 2021-2023: Played Crystal in Swagger (Apple TV+).
- Voice acting in upcoming animated projects.
Wallis is strategically transitioning into more mature roles, ensuring longevity in Hollywood.
What Is Quvenzhané Wallis Doing Now?
Currently, Wallis is:
Acting in select projects.
Possibly attending college (she has expressed interest in education).
Engaging in philanthropy (supports literacy programs for kids).
She remains low-key on social media, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
Quvenzhané Wallis Net Worth and Ethnicity
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $500,000 (estimated) |
| Income Sources | Acting, book deals, endorsements |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
While her net worth is modest compared to other stars, her career is still evolving.
Nationality and Religion
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Not publicly disclosed (likely Christian, given her Southern upbringing).
Career: From Child Star to Respected Actress
Wallis’s career can be divided into three phases:
- Breakthrough (2012-2014) – Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie.
- Transition (2015-2020) – Voice acting, smaller roles.
- Reinvention (2021-present) – Swagger, potential adult roles.
She has avoided typecasting, proving her versatility.
Conclusion
Quvenzhané Wallis is more than a former child star—she’s a talented actress with a bright future. From Oscar-nominated performances to authoring books, she continues to inspire young artists.
