9 to watch in '09

Emma Stone

 Emma Stone made her presence known in 2008, appearing in Seth Rogen’s Superbad, and followed that up with a role in The Rocker as well as starring in The House Bunny with Kat Dennings. She is continuing on the comedy path and can be next seen in the romantic comedy The Ghost of Girlfriends past.  Will she move away from the comedy genre, diversify her roles and exercise her acting chops? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Kat dennings

At the tender age of 22, Kat Dennings has a Judd Apatow flick under her belt (The 40 year Old Virgin) and became the face of the cinema last fall, appearing in both Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and The House Bunny. She’s diversifying her portfolio with upcoming features which include Short, a kid-friendly film, and Defendor, in which she portrays a drug-addicted prostitute.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson most recent major role came alongside Brad Pitt in David Fincher’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” which premiered this Christmas. Her previous roles include 2005’s Hustle & Flow, Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys and gigs on US television including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and alongside Hugh Laurie in House MD.

 Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall really hit it big when Woody Allen called her in for the role of Vicky in Vicky Christina Barcelona. Previous to that she’d appeared in 2006’s The Prestige. The actress also appeared in the Oscar-touted Frost/Nixon and she will next been seen in Dorian Gray, opposite Colin Firth.

Armie Hammer

Recently cast as Batman in Warner Bros.’ Justice League flick (currently set for release in 2011), Armie Hammer first gained notoriety playing the iconic pastor Billy Graham in Billy: The Early Years. He’s also been seen on episodes of US shows Desperate Housewives and Arrested Development. His next project is a five-episode stint on the CW’s Reaper.

 Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon was lucky enough to land a spot in one of the most Oscar-buzzed films of 2008, Sam Mendes’ Revolutionary Road, which reunites Titanic lovers Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Shannon’s also recently appeared in the independent film Shotgun Stories, Sidney’s Lumet’s Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, Vanilla Sky, World Trade Center and 8 Mile.

 Chris Pine

Chris Pine had quite the run of appearing as the good-looking bloke in bubblegum teen films. He starred with Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries 2 and Lindsay Lohan in Just My Luck. He’s also appeared with Ben Affleck in Smokin’ Aces and Alan Rickman in Bottle Shock. His breakthrough will likely be JJ Abrams’ upcoming Star Trek film, however, playing the role of James T. Kirk.

Mia Wasikowska

Mia Wasikowska, a young Aussie actress, has played a plethora of roles – American teens in In Treatment and Amelia and a Jewish Pole in Defiance, most famously. Her big break has come with being cast in the titular role of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, which also stars Johnny Depp and – it’s rumoured – Anne Hathaway.

Willa Holland

 Another famous brood is entering the acting waters. Willa is Brian Depalma’s stepdaughter.  After almost a decade in modeling, Willa has decided to enter the family business. She started with bit parts and secondary roles in television, Gossip Girl, O.C, and has graduated to feature films with roles in the Indie movie Garden Party and has also starred alongside Hollywood Heavyweights Colin Firth (Genova), Susan Sarandon (Middle of Nowhere) and Dennis Quaid in the yet to be released Legion.