What she’s done: Most of Mulligan’s experience stems from across the pond, such as her turn as Kitty Bennet in 2005’s “Pride & Prejudice.” More recently, Mulligan had a small role in the gangster drama “Public Enemies.”
What she’s playing: Mulligan stars as 16-year-old doe-eyed Jenny who quickly gets caught up in an intense, whirlwind romance with a much older man. With buzz growing only stronger and louder for Mulligan’s work, Oscar may be next on the horizon for this up-and-comer. (Matt Carr / Getty Images)
What she’s done: Lawrence is best known for playing the daughter of “Blue Collar” comic Bill Engvall on TBS’ “The Bill Engvall Show.” She also won the outstanding performance award at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival for “The Poker House.”
What she’s playing: Lawrence plays a 16-year-old struggling with the loss of a parent and the high emotions of first love. After receiving the award for best young actress for her performance at last year’s Venice Film Festival, Lawrence is sure to be one to watch. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Where to see her: “Fame”
What she’s done: Naughton is most known for her stint with the mildly successful R&B girl group 3LW. She also gave a memorable performance as Lil’ Kim in the Notorious B.I.G. biopic, “Notorious.”
What she’s playing: Naughton will play Denise, an aspiring singer who must convince her strict parents to let her follow her dreams. Naughton will get the chance to woo audiences with both her acting and vocal talents.
What he’s done: An Australia native, Smit-McPhee has mostly worked on TV and movies Down Under in addition to the 2006 Stephen King miniseries “Nightmares and Dreamscapes.”
What he’s playing: Smit-McPhee is “the boy” a.k.a. Viggo Mortensen’s son in this post-apocalyptic drama. The film has played at film festivals such as Venice and Telluride, but after a year-long delay in release, the early buzz is far from great. (Damie Meyer / AFP / Getty Images)