Previously Seen: Absolutely nowhere, she was only six years old when she filmed "Beasts."
Expected Breakout Role: As Hushpuppy, the central character in first-time feature director Benh Zeitlin's galvanizing Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner "Beasts of the Southern Wild," opening June 27.
Why: Just wait until you see the movie. Wallis is sensational -- completely believable and utterly naturalistic without ever coming across as amateurish or uncomfortable on screen. She carries the film's rollicking portrait of life in an off-the-grid Delta-community like a consummate pro. Who knows where she can go from here (the way of Dakota Fanning or Haley Joel Osment?), but her debut won't be forgotten.

- Geoff Berkshire