Oprah Winfrey, Beasts actress honoured at Essence lunch

Beverly Hills : Nine-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis toted a plush, dog-shaped purse with jeweled handles as she rubbed shoulders with Oprah Winfrey and Alfre Woodard.

The star of Best-Picture contender Beasts of the Southern Wild was among the honorees on Thursday at Essence magazine's sixth annual Black Women in Hollywood awards luncheon.

Quvenzhane stood on a step so she could speak at the podium, and thanked God, Beasts director Behn Zeitlin and her "baby sitter that was on set."

Quvenzhane is the youngest best-actress nominee in Oscar history, and one of only 10 African-Americans recognized in the category.

Actresses Gabrielle Union and Naomie Harris, and writer-director Mara Brock-Akil also were honored at the Essence event at the Beverly Hills Hotel.