Charlize Theron – Monster

With a long career still ahead of her at the age of 28, it was both a shock and wonder that Charlize Theron took on the transformative and risky role of Aileen Wuornos in Patty Jenkins' biographical crime drama Monster. The role was transformative on many levels, turning the South African beauty into the unlikable serial killer, but opened the eyes of many to her impressive acting ability. In the same year that saw her star in a more traditional commercial film in the action crime thriller The Italian Job, playing a real life monster was a surprising turn that truly turned heads and placed Theron in high esteem. The role netted the talented actress her first Oscar and ensured that audiences wouldn’t forget her anytime soon.