Keisha Castle-Hughes will be nominated for Oscar for her role as Pai in Whale Rider. If Newmarket Films (distributor) doesn't blow the submittal, she will win a Best Supporting Actress (as a child actor - even though she was the female lead) award.
Her acting turn in Whale Rider is the most remakable performance by any actor that I have ever witnessed in my many years as a fanatical movie goer. She has the same natural beauty and screen presence as Ingrid Bergman. Same tear ducts too.
Keisha's performance still haunts me months after I was fortunate to witness this extraordinary, talented young actress. I just hope she decides to make acting a permanent professional. The movie business needs more world class actresses like Keisha.