Basically I was looking for best young actresses, but I decided to put an age limit on it to define "young". Some obvious answers like Scarlett Johansson, Kiera Knightley, and Natalie Portman. But who others think really has a nice career ahead of her?

I've always liked Zooey Deschanel, especially in a lot of the smaller stuff that she's done. She's getting more leading roles (shitfest The Happening not withstanding) and I think she could have a really nice stretch in front of her if she gets the opportunity.

...and I think she's ridiculously hot.

Anne Hathaway will almost certainly get an Oscar nomination this year, but that's sometimes the kiss of death for a career.

She's over thirty, but Elizabeth Banks is becoming a favorite of mine... although I can never tell her and Rachel McAdams apart...

She hasn't had that many movies come out over the last few years, but I still feel that Julia Stiles is one of the best.

McAdams was the It Girl in 2005, Banks is the It Girl now.

Banks is nowhere near as big as McAdams was, though I agree with the similarity in career trajectory is there.

Rachel McAdams is a decent actress who needs better roles.
Sarah Polley is always good.
Samantha Morton is amazing - but she missed the criteria by 2 years.

Scarlett Johansson is a terrible actress. Take away her looks and she wouldn't be getting the roles that she's getting.

My two favorites are Sophia Bush and Kat Dennings

Evan Rachel Wood
Amanda Seyfried
Daveigh Chase
Anna Paquin
Eva Green

kristen bell

I'd place stock in Eva Green, Sarah Polley, and Anne Hathaway to degrees.

Though each of them haven't had much time to shine yet, both Nora Zehetner (Brick) and Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) have impressed me with their talent -- as has Su-jeong Lim (Tale of Two Sisters, I'm a Cyborg).

Natalie Portman

by far.

just a tad over 30, but:
1. Maggie Gyllenhaal (See: Sherrybaby, Stranger Than Fiction, Secretary. not so much telling from TDK)
2. Franka Potente (love everything she does)

Believe it or not, there was a time at the turn of the century when she was praised for something other than her rack. From 2001 to 2003, she did quality work in The Man Who Wasn't There, Ghost World, Lost in Translation and Girl with the Pearl Earring.

Her role was very small in the Coen's film, so there's not much to go on there. Ghost World she was merely passable. LIT she was OK in, but very overrated. I thought her best performance was in Pearl Earring.

Evan Rachel Wood (and she finally dumped Manson).

I've always liked her as well. I wish she was in more movies.

Best doesn't = famous IMO. People just seem to be naming their "favorite" actress. I mean, I LOVE Kristen Bell but come on, "best actress"? She hasn't even done enough yet to show any range. Stunningly beautiful, but her acting is nothing more than average at best.

Scarlett Johansen? One of the worste actresses at any age.

Nobody has even named her yet but, in pure acting ability Christina Ricci gets my vote. Utterly brilliant in the Ice Storm, made even more amazing by her age then, & what a daring performance in Black Snake Moan.

Ricci
Anne Hathaway
Julia Stiles

Eva Green
Dakota Fanning
Ziyi Zhang
Natelie Portman
Kirsten Dunst

I have to agree on Kristen Bell. She isn't much of an actress. Scarlett Johansson is good, even though she hasn't put in a good performance since Match Point. Christina Ricci has never impressed me... ever.

The only problem with Banks is that she's barely getting any parts lately.

No question about it....... Jenna Haze!

I'll add Alison Lohman, Ellen Page, and Claire Danes.