10. Matthias Schoenarts(01 of10)
Open Image ModalStealing the show as Gabriel Oak in the lavish remake of 'Far from the Madding Crowd' and holding his own with Eddie Redmayne in 'The Danish Girl', Belgian Matthias sealed his status as a new European leading man. The new year promises good things too - with a starring role in 'A Bigger Splash' alongside Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton.
9. Suranne Jones(02 of10)
Open Image ModalSeldom has one dinner party caught the viewing public's imagination, but with a swish of her hair and a few bon mots, Suranne Jones stole the show as 'Doctor Foster' reached its Gothic finale. The smiling TV character actress was forever transformed in our imaginations, and Series 2 is on its way.
8. Ben Mendelsohn(03 of10)
Open Image ModalPreviously established as the best Australian actor you recognise but can't name, Ben Mendelsohn stole the show in Netflix family drama 'Bloodline', alongside Sam Shepherd, Sissy Spacek and Kyle Chandler. Next up for Ben, an emotional thriller 'Una', costarring with Rooney Mara. His star is sealed.
7. Nicola Walker(04 of10)
Open Image ModalEveryone liked Nicola Walker, with her deceptively supporting roles in 'Spooks' and 'Last Tango in Halifax'. Now, they LOVE her and her new leading lady status, having starred in not one but two primetime crime dramas 'River' and 'Unforgotten'. And a doffed cap to her co-star in the latter, Sanjeev Bhaskar, while we're about it.
6. Bob Odenkirk(05 of10)
Open Image ModalYes, yes, he was famous, popular, critically acclaimed before, we know, but now he's got a TITULAR ROLE all to himself, with the 'Breaking Bad' prequel 'Better Call Saul'. That charming but lugubrious face has successfully made the transition, with time yet for Saul to become as revered as his greatest of clients, Walter White.
5. Lily James(06 of10)
Open Image ModalAt the beginning of the year, she was just the 'happy one' in 'Downton Abbey'. Now, Lily has much to be happy about, with her own big screen fairytale of 'Cinderella' and an upcoming lead in lavish BBC adaptation 'War and Peace'. All this, and she's on the arm of former Doctor Who, Matt Smith. Life looks Lady Rosey.
4. John Boyega(07 of10)
Open Image ModalHas there ever been a star so willing to share his delight at his good fortune? Peckham prince John Boyega at least has the grace to know he's got it good, not only starring in the record-breaking 'Star Wars' but turning up to screenings in his local manor and surprising audiences with grins and hugs. Mr Boyega, we smile every time you smile and celebrate your success. Long may it last!
3. Dakota Johnson(08 of10)
Open Image ModalPreviously known as 'Hollywood royalty' daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, Dakota blossomed under the whip of Christian Grey, but brought more to her role in 'Fifty Shades' than she needed. Parts in 'Black Mass' and 'A Bigger Splash' have proved she's no one-trick pony, and her Oscars red-carpet on-camera tiff with her mother revealed a lady not to be messed with.
2. Paul Dano(09 of10)
Open Image ModalFormerly best known for 'Little Miss Sunshine', Paul burst out of the screen this year, following his role in '12 Years A Slave' with his stunning performance as a young Brian Wilson in 'Love and Mercy'. Rightly but surprisingly Golden Globe-nominated for this, Paul's set to conquer us Brits too, with the lead role in the forthcoming BBC drama 'War and Peace'. The future looks very bright.
1. Alicia Vikander(10 of10)
Open Image ModalBeautiful but demure in previous films 'Anna Karenina' and 'A Royal Affair', Alicia Vikander stole the screen and held it in her hand this year. Parts in 'The Man From UNCLE', 'Burnt' and 'Testament of Youth' would have been impressive enough, but those aren't even the headlines. She brought light and passion to 'The Danish Girl' and humanity to a robot in 'Ex Machina', and will enter 2016 with not one but two Golden Globe nominations to juggle, and an Oscar dress to think about. And this is surely only the beginning...