9. Shailene Woodley

2011 key role: 'The Descendants'

Best known for her television work -- most notably 'The Secret Life of an American Teenager' -- Woodley broke onto the film scene with a bang: as George Clooney's rebellious daughter in the indie hit 'The Descendants.' She's immediately on the short list of Best Supporting Actress contenders -- where she'll compete with Octavia Spencer among others -- and will likely be on the short list for many major roles in the near future.

Upcoming projects: Outside of 'Secret Life,' nothing currently on the horizon. Expect that to change very soon.