Sometimes lies are okay. Sure we're told not to lie to anyone, ever, but if the miniature powerhouse that is Quvenzhane Wallis hadn't told a porky pie to the producers and casting directors of Beasts of The Southern Wild - who stipulated that applicants must be aged 6 or older - then it wouldn't be the film it is today.

And it's for that film that she's been twice nominated; once in her own age group for best young actor/acress, and once for overall lead actress - a category full of big old grown ups. There's something special about this kid, most notably her confidence away form the film set, and her humble nature. "Only one friend's seen the film, he's my cousin," she told the Huffington Post. "But they all kind of noticed, they asked 'Why are you out so much?' I said 'No reason.'" Born August 28, 2003 (doesn't that make you feel old), Wallis is now 9. Her immediate future sees roles for her in Twelve Years a Slave and Boneshaker - both in post-production and set for 2013 releases. "I'm just going to keep going," says Wallis. "My favourite film was 'Robots', then it was 'Princess and the Frog' and now it's 'Happy Feet'. I love penguins."

The Critic's Choice Awards will be handed out on January 10th, which happens to be the same day that The Academy Award Nominees are announced.