Simmonds , who read the deaf-themed juvenile novel '' Wonderstruck '' when it was published in 2011 , received news of open casting for the film adaptation ( ultimately released in 2017 ) from her former drama teacher and auditioned for a role in the film . She competed with over 250 others . When she won the role , she moved to New York City with her mother and her younger siblings to film '' Wonderstruck '' . She used American Sign Language interpreters to communicate on set and also received a tutor to continue schoolwork while filming . '' Vanity Fair '' s Charles Bramesco said of her casting , " A Utah native without any major film credits to her name , young Simmonds is expected to make quite a splash both as a new face in the industry as well as an icon for deaf and otherwise sensory-disabled actors . " When '' Wonderstruck '' premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival , the Associated Press 's Jake Coyle said Simmonds 's screen debut was " hailed as a breakthrough " . Simmonds was subsequently nominated for several awards for best youth performance ( see accolades ) . The Associated Press also recognized Simmonds as one of eight actors who were Breakthrough Entertainers of 2017
2017 Cannes Film Festival
2017 Cannes Film Festival
Millicent Simmonds