SUNDAY STORY:Little Miss Wonderful

To answer Olive’s on-screen inquiry, Newport Beach native Lauren Shiohama really likes Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream.

Those who have seen the Oscar-nominated film “Little Miss Sunshine” will remember that Shiohama’s brief, yet crucial scene involves an exchange between her character, a beauty pageant queen, and the pubescent hopeful Olive, who is looking for a little vindication for not adopting the fat-free, calorie-counting diet of her competitors.

Ten-year-old Abigail Breslin, who plays Olive in the movie, also wanted to know.

“I love ice cream in general, so I don’t discriminate against any particular flavor,” said Shiohama, who played Miss California in the Academy Award-nominated film centered on a children’s beauty pageant. “But I do love chocolate Cherry Garcia, and I do eat the frozen yogurt version.”

Shiohama, though, shares more than a fondness for frozen desserts with her on-screen character.

Directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton were captivated by the kindness and sincerity the 24-year-old demonstrated in the audition, earning the model her first acting role. And according to Abigail, she is “very pretty.”

“She was just very natural and real, and it was kind of nice to see that they’re not all frighteningly cardboard,” Faris said, adding that she hopes the role will boost Shiohama’s career. “We went for who could deliver the lines the best, and she was the best actress there.”

Without any beauty pageant experience, Shiohama approached the audition much like the film’s protagonist did as she vied for the title of Little Miss Sunshine.

“When I went into the audition, there were a bunch of beauty queens there all dolled up,” Shiohama said. “I just went in thinking, ‘I’m just going to do my best.’ ”

Such has been Shiohama’s attitude toward her modeling career, which started as a high school senior when she appeared in a Mattel commercial as Barbie’s Japanese friend, Mari.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in business administration at USC, Shiohama was encouraged by a friend to use modeling as a means to help pay her tuition and earn some extra spending money.

Over the years, she has appeared in numerous television and print ads for companies such as Target, Macy’s and Nike, but it wasn’t until she graduated in 2004 that the vocation became a full-time career.

“Little Miss Sunshine” marks her acting debut, and Shiohama could not have asked for a more fitting role than the panelist who appreciated Olive for her hard work and unshakable confidence.

“Honestly, I felt like it was really easy for me to relate to this character,” said Shiohama, who models briefcase No. 8 on NBC’s “Deal or No Deal.” “I think Miss California saw Olive in a different light than the others, and was able to relate to her and see through to her heart.”

Several teachers at Calvary Chapel High School in Santa Ana, Shiohama’s alma mater, agree that the actress’ energetic and diligent personality made her stand out among classmates.

“She was always kind to everyone, and it was always very natural for her,” said Nancy Hamilton, Shiohama’s freshman and senior year English teacher. “As beautiful as she is on the outside, she’s just as beautiful on the inside.”

Shiohama’s parents could not be more proud of her success. During the holidays, they gave copies of the film to several friends and family members as gifts.

“Its pretty exciting to go to a movie and all of a sudden your daughter is up there on the screen,” said Lauren’s father, Larry Shiohama. “We know the role wasn’t very big or anything, but for her first time, to be in a movie like this is quite exciting.”

After “Little Miss Sunshine” claimed the Screen Actors Guild Award’s top honor with the prize for best ensemble last month, husband and wife team Dayton and Faris emphasized that it was truly the efforts of each actor that made this “ensemble movie” so great.

“With this film, it was about everyone contributing and building to this emotional journey that hopefully the audience goes on,” Dayton said. “If one person is weak or cheesy, it kind of destroys the whole feeling of the film, so each role is really important.”

Shiohama also had glowing words for each of her on-set colleagues, describing Abigail as “an amazing little actress,” Greg Kinnear as “super nice” and Steve Carell as “witty and hilarious.”

And with the 79th annual Academy Awards steadily approaching, she had high hopes for everyone involved in the film.

“I am definitely going to be watching the awards, rooting for Abigail and especially for best picture,” she said. “I really have been blessed to be a part of this.

“I don’t know anybody whose first film gets nominated for an Oscar. It’s crazy.”