Quvenzhane Wallis: Cameron Diaz was like a mother on "Annie" set
At just 11 years old, Quvenzhane Wallis already has a best actress nomination under her belt. "The Beasts of the Southern Wild" star wowed audience with her portrayal of Hushpuppy in the critically-acclaimed 2012 film and she's poised to do it again and again.
She's gearing up to hit the big screen in a reboot of "Annie." The movie comes 32 years after the first trip to the orphanage with Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Albert Finney and Aileen Quinn in starring roles. The new film, due in theaters Dec. 19, stars Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.
"It was really fun working with Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz on set," Wallis told CBS News. "Everyone was really nice. Cameron Diaz was like a mother to me. Jamie Foxx was really funny of course."
"Annie" is just one of many upcoming projects for the Louisiana native, who also appeared in the best picture winner, "12 Years a Salve." She's starring in "Fathers and Daughters" with Russell Crowe and Aaron Paul, due next year, and has been cast in "Counting by 7s" based on Holly Goldberg Sloan best-selling novel of the same name. The movie will follow Willow Chance (Wallis), a bright young girl who, after the death of her adoptive parents, is taken in by an unlikely surrogate family.
Though she has a bustling acting career right now, film may not be Wallis' only path in life. Wallis told CBS News that she wants to be a veterinarian one day. It's why she decided to write the foreword to the new children's book "My Very, Very Busy Day," which aims to educate kids about pet responsibility.
"It was all about pets and how you're supposed to be there for your pets," she said about teaming with Banfield Pet Hospital on the book. Wallis attended the book launch Wednesday at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, where she read the book, signed autographs and spoke to children about the importance of taking care of pets -- from making sure there's fresh water out to getting enough doggie exercise.
At the event, Wallis was accompanied by the dog who plays Sandy in the upcoming "Annie" film. Sandy, who's real name is Marty, was in a shelter before getting cast in "Annie."
Wallis say they had a natural rapport from the moment they met.
"The first time I met with Sandy was at the office where we were doing meetings and stuff and she came and the trainer said she wasn't good with kids and I hugged her and there was not bad things that were happening, so I guess we had love at first sight," said Wallis.
For anyone who follows Wallis, it's not too surprising to hear that she loves animals; her puppy purse is a staple on the red carpet. She also has two dogs at a home: a German shepherd and one's a Yorkie poodle.
Whether she remains an actress or becomes a veterinarian, Wallis will likely have many busy, busy days ahead.
And when she's not doing the Hollywood thing, Wallis sounds like she lives a life just like any other 11-year-old. After the book launch appearance, the Oscar nominee rushed off to finish homework for school.
