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Quevenzhané Wallis

We were all wowed at 9 year old Quevenzhané Wallis’ stellar performance in Beasts of the Southern Wild. Wallis auditioned for the movie’s role of Hushpuppy when she was just a tender 5 years old. After nailing the part, she began filming at 6 years old. In the film, Hushpuppy is a resolute child with a whole lot of heart who epitomizes survival of the fittest. Her impeccable performance led her to become the youngest actress in history to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, while she is the third youngest nominee in all categories! It’s only the beginning for Wallis as she is now to star in Steve McQueen’s novel-based 12 Years a Slave alongside a-list actors Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt. This year, Quevenzhané is teaming up with Sundance again for a short film, Boneshaker. The adorable 9 year old actress is really becoming a household name in popular culture, chatting with some of the industry’s elite like Jay Leno and Andre Leon Talley.

Quevenzhané Wallis brings new definition to the saying, “age aint nothing but a number.” Leading by example, Wallis makes it known that anything is possible, regardless of age, race, gender or any other factor. Because she’s a certified cool girl who’s a fan of pop icons like Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé, Quevenzhané will be able to reach and relate to the masses among her peers—making her someone that they will want to model after. Her openness about her academics, with an expressed favoritism for mathematics, makes a statement to youth on the value of education and how it leads to greater opportunities!

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For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.