When Willow Smith dropped out the lead role of Annie in the upcoming "Annie" remake--produced by Will & Jada Pinkett Smith--Columbia Pictures just announced their newest choice for the starring role.

Deets inside...

Quvenzhane Wallis, the Oscar-nominated 9-year-old star of Beasts of the Southern Wild, has just been cast to play the title role in the upcoming remake of Annie.

The film will be directed by Will Gluck and co-produced by Jay-Z, Jay Brown & Ty Ty Smith through Marcy Media in addition to the Smith's Overbrook Entertainment.

And the well-spoken and poised cutie Quvenzhane will be singing and dancing in the remake to music produced specifically for the film by Jay-Z.

Columbia Pictures President Hannah Minghella said about the new casting decision:

“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.  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."

According to THR, DeVon Franklin will be overseeing the movie at the studio with Andrea Giannetti. And the film based on the 1977 Broadway production is set to be released during the Holidays of 2014.

She's the perfect choice for the role.  And whether she wins or loses at tonight's Oscars, she's well on her way to a BIG Hollywood career.  Congrats Q!