1. Michael Fassbender

2011 key roles: 'Jane Eyre,' 'X-Men: First Class,' 'A Dangerous Method,' 'Shame'

From the tormented Mr. Rochester in 'Jane Eyre' to the haunted Erik Lehnsherr (a.k.a. Magneto) in 'X-Men: First Class' to the conflicted Carl Jung in 'A Dangerous Method' to the sex-addicted Brandon in 'Shame,' Michael Fassbender affected many faces of male grief onscreen in 2011. That he inhabited each significantly different role with his own mix of charm and savvy is part of the reason why Fassbender is fassy fast becoming one of Hollywood's go-to actors for tortured protagonists. An Oscar nomination for his searing -- and full-frontal -- work in the NC-17 sex drama 'Shame' will only add to his growing clout.

Upcoming projects: Steven Soderbergh's 'Haywire'; Ridley Scott's 'Alien' non-prequel prequel 'Prometheus'; 'Twelve Years a Slave' with 'Shame' director Steve McQueen.