1. Rooney Mara, 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'

Apologies to Elizabeth Olsen and Felicity Jones, but the female breakout performance of the year belongs to Rooney Mara. As Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,' Mara grips hold of the screen early on and doesn't let go until her final disdainful glance. Of course, it's Mara's surprising vulnerability that makes Lisbeth one of the most iconic screen characters to come along in a decade. Director David Fincher puts his star through the ringer in 'Dragon Tattoo' -- emotionally, physically, mentally -- but she comes out on the other side with grace. Here's your next A-list leading lady.