Charlotte Rampling - voting against my own write-in nomination of Bellucci who is indeed stunning, but hasn't yet displayed the acting chops of Ms Rampling
Catherine Keener - a smart and sexy lady. Judy Davis is quite good too, but for some bizarre reason, insists on appearing in 'whiteface', that is, a completely white-powdered face (???) Make-up people don't like her much
Born in 1946, she is best known for her work with Woody Allen - they've done eight films together. You can see her in Manhattan, Annie Hall, Reds, The Little Drummer Girl, Town & Country and The Family Stone. She's been Oscar-nominated four times. She also directs.
vs.
Holly Hunter
Born in 1958, this Georgia belle had one line in The Burning, but really lit up the screen in Broadcast News. She's also appeared in Raising Arizona, Always, Home for the Holidays and Crash (David Cronenberg's, not the crappy Oscar-winner). She received the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in The Piano.
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Kathleen Turner (wildcard)
Born in 1954, this husky-voiced actress smouldered in Body Heat, then went on to star in Romancing the Stone, The Accidental Tourist, The War of the Roses and Peggy Sue Got Married.
Round 1 - Bracket 14
Keira Knightley
Born in 1985, this slender gal first got noticed for Bend It Like Beckham. She has since been featured in Pirates of the Caribbean, Love Actually and Domino. She received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice.
vs.
Natalie Portman
Born in 1981, this fanboy fav made a splash in Leon. She then went on to appear in Heat, Garden State, Closer and the Star Wars prequels.
vs.
Winona Ryder (wildcard)
Born in 1971, this waifish chiquita bonita got some notice for not busting ghosts in Beetlejuice. She's also been in Heathers, Night on Earth, The Age of Innocence and Little Women.
"Actors are beggars and gypsies, that's just the way it is. And in many ways, I take what I can get. But I do search high and low for stuff that interests me."
Diane Keaton - A top notch actress who has had a long and impressive career. Once again, someone who is quite worthy of moving on won't because of an exceptionally tough match.
Holly Hunter - Simply put, one of the best actresses around right now.
Kathleen Turner - Interesting and talented, but no match for theother two she is up against here.
Keira Knightley - I'm taking a bit of a leap here. I wouldn't have given her this much thought, but Keira really seems to be developing into a fine actress and not just a celebrity. My vote is partly due to what I think she will accomplish.
Natalie Portman - Started off with some fine performances in Leon, a sadly truncated role in Heat, and a shining one in Beautiful Girls, then proceeded to deliver a string of performances which make wet cardboard look interesting. She's improved a bit lately, but it will take a lot to erase what she did in the interim.
Winona Ryder - As much potential as she seems to have (and I agree with Steve) she has never gotten where she appears to be able. Not an actress I seek out, though I wish I did.