MUMBAI: Though she couldn‘t take home an Oscar for Best Actress in Beasts of the Southern Wild, Quvenzhane Wallis has sufficient reason to celebrate after Sony Pictures Entertainment announced that the nine year old has been cast in the title role of a new film adaptation of Annie.

"Quvenzhane Wallis is a true star and we believe her portrayal as Annie will make her a true worldwide star," the president of production for the studio said in a statement. "She is an extraordinary young talent with an amazing range, not only as an actress but as a singer and dancer, and we can‘t wait for audiences to further discover her," he added.

The little girl made history this awards season by becoming the Oscars‘ youngest-ever actress nominee.

The film, to be produced by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jay-Z will be directed by Will Gluck.