10. Ryan Gosling

2011 key roles: 'Crazy Stupid Love,' 'Drive,' 'The Ides of March'

It's hard to call Ryan Gosling a "breakout star" because of his work in 2011 -- after all, the guy has already earned an Oscar nomination and starred in one of the last decade's biggest romances, 'The Notebook' -- but he was everywhere this year, up to and including breaking up a street fight. Gosling always had the indie cred associated with serious young actors, but he added some mainstream flair in 2011: shirtless and charming in 'Crazy Stupid Love,' smoldering and violent in 'Drive,' and George Clooney's chosen heir in 'The Ides of March.' With a host of upcoming projects -- including the highly anticipated 'Gangster Squad' with Sean Penn -- Gosling is your best choice to become the next Brad Pitt.

Upcoming projects: 'The Place Beyond the Pines,' 'Gangster Squad,' 'Only God Forgives,' 'Logan's Run' and an untitled Terrence Malick project.