Age: 31

Best known for: "Robin Hood", "Drive"

Breakout potential: Juilliard-trained actor Oscar Isaac's profile has been building quietly over the last several years, though it was his striking supporting performance as Carey Mulligan's parolee husband in last year's "Drive" that arguably garnered him the most attention (he also made a strong impression in Zack Snyder's flawed-but-interesting "Sucker Punch" from earlier in 2011). This year, the Guatemalan-American actor will be seen on the big-screen in high-profile films including Madonna's "W.E." (in wide release) and "The Bourne Legacy" opposite Jeremy Renner; his casting in the title role of the Coen Bros.' next film "Inside Llewyn Davis" only confirms Isaac's status as a talent to watch. - Chris Eggertsen