Five Best International Actresses

A truly gifted actress steals our hearts and the screen through an intangible power all her own. Here are five of the most talented international actresses:

Cate Blanchett

Any best actress list should begin with Cate Blanchett, the Oscar winning actress born in Melbourne, Australia. An endless list of perfect performances, Blanchett has range, depth, skill, wit and impeccable instincts. Her age defying performance in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," her sheer force as Elizabeth I, and her transcendence of gender playing Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There." put her in a category above. Cate Blanchett lights up every genre of motion pictures. As Galadriel in "Lord of the Rings," or as Katharine Hepburn in "The Aviator", she brings a hundred percent believability to any role. Do not hesitate if given the opportunity to see her do live theater. As Hedda Gabler, she commanded the stage the way she commands the screen--flawlessly, gracefully and completely. Cate Blanchett's talent is an international treasure.

Kate Winslet

A household name since her success in James Cameron's epic "Titanic," Kate Winslet continues to thrill audiences with complex characters and gripping performances. Oscar nominated for her compelling work in "The Reader," Kate Winslet showed audiences a brutally honest portrait of a lost character. Early roles in films like "Sense and Sensibility" and "Heavenly Creatures" showed the natural force of Winslet's performances. Winslet's subtle work in the beloved, "Finding Neverland" embodied the picture's elegant tone. Her nuance and commitment to every role rank her among Hollywood's finest.

Marion Cotillard

With her portrayal of Edith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose," Marion Cotillard became an international success and an Academy Award winner. Born in Paris, Cotillard is one of France's most celebrated actresses. Her supporting role as Billie Frechette in "Public Enemies," provided a perfect partner for Depp's John Dillinger. In "Public Enemies," audiences again saw Cotillard's raw power and vulnerability. Appearing next in Rob Marshall's highly anticipated "Nine," Cotillard is sure to be a film highlight.

Rachel Weisz

Another English born beauty, Rachel Weisz was born in London, England. Charming turns in "About a Boy," "Definitely Maybe," and "The Mummy" show the lighter side of Rachel Weisz. She stunned audiences with her haunting performance opposite Ray Fiennes in, "The Constant Gardener." She shined opposite Hugh Jackman in the dreamlike film, "The Fountain." In January 2010, audiences can look forward to Weisz's portrayal of Abigail Salmon in Alice Sebold's critically acclaimed book, "The Lovely Bones."

Kelly Macdonald

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kelly Macdonald is best known for her roles in "Trainspotting" and "No Country For Old Men." She has appeared in a variety of supporting roles in movies like "Elizabeth," "Nanny Mcphee," and "Intermission." Macdonald won an Emmy for her captivating role in the television romance, "The Girl in the Cafe" costarring with Bill Nighy. Her screen presence is bold and understated at the same time.

Source List:

Internet Movie Database "Cate Blanchett"

Internet Movie Database "Kate Winslet"

Internet Movie Database "Marion Cotillard"

Internet Movie Database "Rachel Weisz"

Internet Movie Database "Kelly Macdonald"