Why the stipulation? Some people might argue that Scarlett Johansson can act, another might say Katherine Heigl, and another poor fool might say Jessica Simpson. But none of them have ever been nominated for an Academy Award, which -- for all its faults and inability to land in the right hands -- is still basically the gold standard of film acting.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet deserves special mention, because she’s been nominated for an Oscar just about every other year since she turned twenty. She’s not the hottest actress in the world, or even on this list, but watch her in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and tell us she doesn’t remind you of a girl you dated. She’s sexy in that quirky but realistic way.

Charlize Theron

It’s been pointed out ad nauseum, but once again: isn’t it ironic that Charlize Theron, a beautiful woman, had to make herself absolutely hideous to win an Oscar? She also proved it wasn’t a fluke when she was nominated again (for North Country). But for us, she really pushed it over the top with her guest appearances as Rita on Arrested Development. Yes, yes -- her plotline eventually got kind of tired, but she really gave it her all and created some genuinely funny moments as Michael’s retarded English fiancée.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz is somewhat more of an unconventional beauty than the others on the list. Pictures don’t really do her justice. But watch just about any of her movies (even the mostly-dismal Envy) and you can’t help but admit that she steams up the cinema. Her English accent might be part of it. Darren Aronofsky is a lucky man.



Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly has been around forever and is still incredibly hot. She was hot at twenty in The Rocketeer, at thirty in Requiem for a Dream, and even last year at thirty-six in both Blood Diamond and Little Children. Sometimes people will say, “Oh, but look at how big her eyebrows are. She looks like Peter Gallagher with breasts.” Different strokes, man. Different strokes.

Keira Knightley

Admittedly, we’re not 100% sure Keira Knightley can act. But she was nominated for an Oscar last year for Pride and Prejudice (didn’t see it) and that’s enough to get her on the list. If we let Winslet on mainly for talent, we had to balance it out by having one who was mainly looks. And look at her. How could we say no?