49. SARAH POLLEY

AGE 28
JOB TITLE Actor/writer/director
SMART BECAUSE She showed that a young actress can also be a formidable filmmaker. Polley (The Sweet Hereafter) has always seemed mature beyond her years. Her directorial debut, the Alzheimer's drama Away From Her,was a revelation, landing Julie Christie on Oscar's short list and shining a light for the next generation of female directors.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE Politically active in Canada, she served on the mayor of Toronto's transition team in 2003.