Quvenzhane Wallis, the 9-year old actress who impressed movie-goers and film critics alike last year with her portrayal of Hushpuppy in the Oscar-nominated film “Beasts Of The Southern Wild”, got some good news on Sunday: she’s officially been offered the role of Annie in a new film version of the Broadway classic.

Wallis has been in talks for the role for a while now after Willow Smith–the daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, whose production company, Overbrook Entertainment, is overseeing the project–bowed out due to her age. The young Academy Award nominee was a favorite to win this year for Best Actress, but ultimately lost out to Jennifer Lawrence, who won for “Silver Linings Playbook”.

Wallis was just six years old when she filmed “Beasts” and has said she still feels confident about her work a few years later.

“Yeah, I felt like I did good. … [But] I’m not fierce as much anymore. If I have to be fierce, I’ll be fierce,” she said, referring to a comment made about her by director Benh Zeitlin.

The “Annie” project is one that’s been underway for several years, but those in charge feel they’ve finally found a match to their vision for the lead role.

“With the recent Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim, Quvenzhane Wallis is a true star and we believe her portrayal as Annie will make her a true worldwide star,” said Hannah Minghella, president of production for Columbia Pictures.

The film is due out in 2014 and will be helmed by “Easy A” director Will Gluck.