MPI Pictures

With "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey " pretty much taking all the air out of the room on Friday, chances are that fans won't even get to hear about the smaller films making their debut this month. But if you're looking for a little serious counter-programming, look no further than the new trailer for the indie drama "Yelling to the Sky."

Because hobbits are cool and all, but you know what's cooler? Real human emotion.

Starring up-and-coming actress Zoë Kravitz ("X-Men: First Class"), "Yelling to the Sky" tells the story of a high school girl set adrift by a dysfunctional family and an uncaring society. Needing to make her own way in the world, she sets out on a dangerous path, one that involves drugs, guns, gangs and a seriously scary Gabourey Sidibe.

"Yelling to the Sky" hits select theaters and Video On Demand this Friday. Check it out, courtesy of Apple Trailers, and rediscover the magic of a well done drama.

Getty Images

What does it mean to be cool? It's pretty damn subjective. So when compiling our list of the 25 coolest people making movies right now (somebody had to do it, right?), we accounted for various factors.

These are the actors who not only impress us onscreen (though that helps), but convey a certain genuineness off it, be it at awards shows, on TV appearances or during our own personal experiences interviewing them. They can be multi-talents, also excelling at music, art or writing. And they can make a habit of turning up in hilarious viral videos or even at your local karaoke bar.

But most of all, these are the 25 actors we'd really just like to sit down and have a beer with.

Welcome to NextMovie's 1st annual Cool List – and let us know who makes your own list in the comments section below.

Getty Images

25. RZA

Yes, he's best known as the grand wizard of the seminal hip-hop outfit Wu-Tang Clan, but RZA's long been one of the world's coolest students of film (who do you think programmed all those kung-fu samples?). Counting indie-cool Jim Jarmusch among his friends, (see his hilarious vignette in the auteur's "Coffee and Cigarettes"), RZA takes his role in moviedom to new heights this fall with the marital arts epic, "The Man With the Iron Fist," his directorial debut produced by another king of cool, Quentin Tarantino. – Kevin Polowy

Getty Images

24. Woody Harrelson

There was an era when Woody was best known as a clueless, squeaky clean Boston bartender in "Cheers." That was a long, long time ago. Since then, Harrelson has proven (some) white men can jump, helped make a pair of "Natural Born Killers" unlikely screen heroes, owned some sucker zombies and won a vital roster spot in "The Hunger Games." He also regularly hangs with Willie Nelson and has become one of the country's most famous proponents of hemp. High times all around. – KP

Getty Images

23. Christopher Mintz-Plasse

McLovin's made his living playing nerds, but he does it with such uninhibited joie de vivre, we can't help but think he's actually the coolest kid in school. As hilarious off-screen as he is in his movies, with a knack for picking quirky roles in great comedies – "Superbad," "Kick-Ass," "Role Models" – Mintz-Plasse is proof that, yes, the geeks shall inherit the Earth. – Brooke Tarnoff

Getty Images

22. Mark Wahlberg

Beginning his career as shirtless (and pantless) rapper Marky Mark, Wahlberg could have easily faded into oblivion. But he's become the actor girls love and guys want to hang out with due to his unique blend of dramatic, comedic and action roles, his all-around good guy personality and, um, did we mention those abs? Plus, few Oscar nominees look as adorable hangin' with their kids. – Laura Rosenfeld

Getty Images

21. Ezra Miller

The rising star may have terrified those who saw 2011's "We Need to Talk About Kevin," but, after "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," we can't get enough of him. We also have to tip our hats to the 19-year-old for the candid, confident way he came out as "queer" to Out magazine earlier this year. It was mature and inspiring, much like his performance in "Perks." – Breanne L. Heldman

Getty Images

20. Channing Tatum

Tatum's cool factor isn't just about the jaw-dropping abs and killer biceps he makes shows off in just about every movie. It's his versatility as an actor (he's nailed action, romance, comedy and drama all in 2012 alone) and his reputation off-screen. Known for being a prankster on set, he's a charmer with the press (yes, including this writer) and speaks openly about how much he loves his wife, "Step Up" co-star Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Swoon. – BLH

Getty Images

19. Zoe Kravitz

With rocker Lenny Kravitz as her dad and bohemian actress Lisa Bonet as her mom, coolness is in this girl's genes. It's no wonder she brings a free-spirited vibe to all of her roles, whether she's playing a high school heartthrob ("It's Kind of a Funny Story") or kicking ass as a mutant ("X-Men: First Class"). Kravitz is a 21st century hippie, and we totally dig her. Plus, she's besties with Jennifer Lawrence (see below) – who wouldn't want to be the third wheel with the two of them? – LR

Getty Images

18. Jennifer Lawrence

For just a moment, forget that amazing hair, killer bod and flawless fashion sense. J.Law has an Oscar nomination and, better yet, a heart-melting photo of her in her pajamas learning about said nomination while surrounded by her dancing mother, brothers and "X-Men" cool boyfriend, Nicholas Hoult. All that, and she's Katniss. 'Nuf said. – BLH

Getty Images

17. Emily Blunt

Blunt played Anne Hathaway's nemesis in "The Devil Wears Prada," and somehow managed to steal our hearts in her meanest role ever. She has a knack for playing the slightly offbeat girl next door which, it turns out, that's kind of how she is in interviews. She doesn't take herself too seriously even though she's one of the most sought-after actresses today. Plus, everything just sounds cooler in a British accent. – LR

Getty Images

16. Justin Timberlake

When someone you really respect does something awful, it's particularly crushing (De Niro in "Jack and Jill," anyone?). JT enjoys the flip side: After *NSYNC, anything he did would be cool by comparison. Then he wildly surpassed our low expectations with a shockingly legit solo music career, an unforeseen but genuine acting talent and recurring guest appearances on "Saturday Night Live" funnier than half the actual castmembers. Honestly, he had us at "Dick in a Box." – BT

Getty Images

15. Lizzy Caplan

Not to sound like a bunch of hipsters, but we've loved Lizzy Caplan since before loving Lizzy Caplan was cool. We loved her in "Mean Girls," dressed as a Gothy nerd to obscure her natural hotness (though she couldn't hide it from us). Her picks are impeccable – watching her short-lived TV series "Party Down" awards automatic cool points, and her upcoming movie "3, 2, 1... Frankie Go Boom" shows great promise. – BT

Getty Images

14. Samuel L. Jackson

Sure, he may churn out a couple dicey flicks a year, but couldn't the world use some more Samuel L. Jackson? This is The Man who made Ezekiel 25:17 holy word to even non-believers and catapulted a campy movie called "Snakes on a Plane" to web phenom status simply by incorporating a couple MF-bombs. Soundboards were invented to contain the fiery outbursts of SLJ. – KP

Getty Images

13. Bill Murray

Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin – all iconic comedians who saw their heyday come and go. But Bill "Mutha F**kin'" Murray has NEVER gone out of style, achieving a type of staying power rare in any industry. It's fueled by his sublimely random and internet-legendary appearances at everything from private karaoke rooms in New York to college parties in Stockholm, but also his continually strong cinematic output (see: Best. Cameo. Ever.) and admirable resistance to a sequel no one needs, "Ghostbuters III." – KP

Getty Images

12. Michael Fassbender

When you're willing to drop trou on screen, your cool factor automatically goes up, especially if you've got the goods to back it up like Fassbender in "Shame." His superhero turn as Magneto in "X-Men: First Class" and his appearance as a robot in "Prometheus" further set fanboy and girl heards aflutter. Lastly, his name is Fassbender – is there anything cooler than that? – LR

Getty Images

11. Kristen Bell

We XOXO'd K.Bell on television first as sweetest teenage crime solver ever on "Veronica Mars" and currently as the voice of the mysterious "Gossip Girl," but we fell in love with her even more when she graduated to the big screen. Her explosion of emotion over her sloth birthday present from longtime fiancé Dax Shepard might be the cutest darn thing we've ever seen, and we'd probably act the same way if we actually got to hang out with Bell. – LR

Getty Images

10. George Clooney

There's no actor who oozes classic Hollywood more than Clooney. He's suave, he's charming and he's the definition of handsome. Clooney has mastered TV and movies, won an Academy Award and is an acclaimed director. But, what's even more awesome, he's a huge philanthropist, co-founding the human rights advocacy organization Not on Our Watch and extensively advocating for the resolution of the Darfur conflict. If trying to make the world a better place isn't cool, we don't know what is. – LR

Getty Images

9. Jon Hamm

"Mad Men"'s Don Draper is the coolest character on TV, but he would be nothing without Hamm's timeless charm. We mostly love him because he's a big goofball deep down inside, making us laugh in "Bridesmaids" and "Friends With Kids." In these movies, Hamm seems like he's just hanging out with his celebrity friends and they just happen to be making a movie, and we'd love to be invited to that party, too. – LR

Getty Images

8. Helen Mirren

Most Hollywood actors' star power begins to fade once they hit their 40s, but Mirren just gets better with age. The veteran actress brings poise, grace and a sense of humor to every role. She gives women half her age a run for their money in a bikini. And, while she may be old enough to be your grandmother, we'd much rather hit the clubs with this "Queen" than sit home and knit. – LR

Getty Images

7. Daniel Radcliffe

There's just something magical about this guy. Radcliffe is quietly re-writing the book on how to grow up in the spotlight by staying true to himself and managing not to take himself too seriously. Forget following "Harry Potter" with another big franchise – this guy opted for Broadway. Now, following a successful turn in "The Woman in Black," he's focusing on independent films and getting super-involved in charities (he earned a Hero Award from the Trevor Project in 2011). – BLH

Getty Images

6. Anna Kendrick

She can sing – really well, actually. She more than held her own against Hollywood icon George Clooney in "Up in the Air." And, unless you're a Twi-Hard – or you're a Twi-Hard being brutally honest with yourself – you know the moments Kendrick spent onscreen were the best and brightest of the entire "Twilight Saga." We love the way she's stayed friendly and funny, despite her success … and, after seeing "Pitch Perfect," we really want to go to karaoke with her. – BT

Getty Images

5. Ryan Gosling

Gosling played the ultimate babe magnet in "Crazy, Stupid, Love.," but the truth is, he wasn't acting. Once you've starred in arguably the most popular chick flick of all time, pretty much everything you do is going to be swoon-worthy. But not only does the Oscar-nominated star have the acting chops to back up his hotness, he's also got a few other talents, like saving damsels in distress, breaking up fights and busting a move. He's basically our hero. – LR

Getty Images

4. Rashida Jones

It shouldn't be any surprise that the daughter of legendary musical producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton is talented; we've seen her draw laughs on TV's "Parks and Recreation" and movies like "I Love You, Man," flex her dramatic muscle in "The Social Network," and display her writing prowess with this summer's "Celeste and Jesse Forever." Apparently she's also a really good singer-songwriter. What's mildly surprising is discovering just how incredibly down-to-earth, friendly and just plain cool she is in real life, too. – KP

Getty Images

3. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Part of JGL's cachet is rooted in his talent – as an actor and script-picker. We can count his mediocre choices on one hand, and they're far outweighed by the outstanding in his lengthy resume. From could-have-been-silly teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" to noir thriller "Brick" to Christopher Nolan's beautiful mindf**k "Inception," JGL's movies are almost as cool as JGL himself. Owning hitRECord, an open-collaborative production company for artists of all kinds, is icing on the cake. – BT

Getty Images

2. Paul Rudd

Show us a dude who doesn't have a man-crush on Paul Rudd and we'll prove that dude probably doesn't have a soul. Characterized by his Midwestern amicability, everyman sensibilities and fully understated comedic style, Rudd can play the ultimate d-bag ("Wet Hot American Summer," "40-Year-Old Virgin") and you'd still want make him your boy. It's even better that we know he's more like his lovable "I Love You, Man" and "Our Idiot Brother" characters. – KP

Getty Images

1. Emma Stone

What could be cooler than a gorgeous, talented and self-deprecating gal? There's something about the "Easy A" star that makes us crazy stupid love her, and we're not even sure we can put our finger on it. Perhaps it's the chill attitude she brings to every photo shoot (or even a paparazzi stalk — see also her charity promotions while walking around with BF Andrew Garfield), or maybe it's the sense that no matter how high atop the A-list this 23-year-old gets, she'll still be someone who can share a laugh over a beer with her high school friends … and Spider-Man, of course. – BLH

Getty Images

Let's face it: If you had to pick five Hollywood starlets to become your wives in a post-apocalyptic future, chances are you would at least consider giving one of those slots to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. It's just simple logic.

And that's why today's announcement that Huntington-Whiteley has officially joined the cast of "Mad Max: Fury Road" as one of the film's "five wives" makes so much sense.

Hey, if she's tough enough to face off against the Decepticons, chances are she can handle a few mutants on motorcycles, right?

Rebooting the "Mad Max" universe, "Mad Max: Fury Road" stars Tom Hardy as the titular hero. And this time around, he's dealing with not one but five damsels in distress, as Zoe Kravitz revealed to MTV.

"There's a group of five women being taken from one place to another place, and I'm one of those women," Kravitz said in an interview last month. "So they call us the five wives. There are five women who are five wives. No, I'm not playing all five wives."

Well, according to Just Jared, we now know who at least two of those other wives will be, as "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" star Huntington-Whiteley has joined Kravitz and Riley Keough in the sci-fi epic.

Hey, the future might be pretty bleak in the "Mad Max" universe, but at least they still have hot models. And any future with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in it is one we're happy to live in, mutants and all.

Getty Images

Former 'Orphan' and future District 2 Tribute Isabelle Fuhrman is currently in talks for a major role in "After Earth" alongside Will and Jaden Smith. The upcoming sci-fi film, which will be directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is about a father and son who find themselves back on Earth long after it was abandoned by humans.

Fuhrman, who plays Clove in "The Hunger Games," is up for the role of Rayna, a friend of Jaden's character, according to THR. The Smiths' onscreen family is already filled out with Zoe Kravitz as the daughter/sister and Sophie Okenado as the wife/mom.

Details are scarce on the plot besides the father-son duo's rather rude crash landing; Dad's a hero and son's a zero, but roles are reversed on the future Earth. The question is how the other characters come into play if the Smiths' characters are all alone on an abandoned planet.

Filming is slated to start in March, so Fuhrman will be on set when "The Hunger Games" opens on March 23. ("After Earth" will be filmed in Pennsylvania and Utah, and Columbia is aiming for a June 2013 release date). A huge fan of the series herself, she told "Vanity Fair" that she wrote director Gary Ross a letter asking to audition, although initially her eye was set on the role of Katniss. Who could blame her?

Although Fuhrman's character doesn't progress very far in "The Hunger Games," the young actor's own ingenuity is taking her places already.

Getty Images

Zoe Kravitz: From Mutant to Post-Apocalyptic Space Explorer.

The "X-Men: First Class" beauty is looking to expand her horizons as she's in talks to join M. Night Shyamalan's new sci-fi adventure, "After Earth," according to Heat Vision.

"After Earth" (previously titled "One Thousand A.E.," but it's probably not a good idea to have a title that reminds anyone of "Titan A.E."), follows the plight of a father and son (Will Smith and his real-life offspring, Jaden Smith) after they crash-land on planet Earth over one thousand years after it's been deemed inhospitable.

Kravitz would be playing the role of the elder Smith's daughter/the younger Smith's sister, with "Doctor Who" star Sophie Okenado also in talks to play the wife/mom.

Zoe Kravitz most recently appeared as winged stripper Angel Salvadore in "X-Men: First Class" and has a recurring role on Showtime's "Californication." She's set to begin filming the fourth installment of the "Mad Max" series, "Fury Road," next year.

Okay, M. Night -- you've definitely got a decent cast for your next endeavor. Might this be shaping up to be your redemption project? Tread carefully, sir.

"After Earth" will begin production in early 2012 with a look toward a release date of June 7, 2013 (that's B.E.).

Getty Images / Paramount

"Oh, god, that's really difficult.  One of my favorite movies of all time is 'Bugsy Malone.'  A lot of people haven't seen it.  With Scott Baio and Jodie Foster…

I saw it when I was a kid and I think it has a special place in my heart, but it's one of the weirdest, out-there films ever.  It's this crazy [film with] children playing adults, but also lip-syncing.  It's also a musical, and people are being killed by [guns that shoot] whipped cream. 

That's as out there as it possibly gets. Screw 'The Wall,' that's crazy!"

Zoe Kravitz recently appeared in the blockbuster prequel "X-Men: First Class" (now on DVD and Blu-ray) and can currently be seen in the new indie comedy "Beware the Gonzo."

Getty Images

They fight side-by-side in the upcoming superhero reboot "X-Men: First Class," but the reality of Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz is a little less ass-kicking and a little more... hair-braiding.

After interviewing both actresses -- separately -- and we can formally announce: these two are totally BFFs.

"Zoë Kravitz is... I think... well, she’s my best friend. I don’t know how she feels about me," Lawrence told NextMovie and MTV Radio last week, but she's got nothing to worry about.

"We are very, very, very close," Kravitz confirms.

"She called me up the other day and goes, 'Just so you know, I talk about you in interviews all the time. It would be really embarrassing if you don't talk about me in interviews, too,'" Kravitz says. "I love her."

Kravitz and Lawrence star in "X-Men" as Angel Salvadore and Mystique, respectively -- and whether their shared status as mutant-Americans translates to harmony onscreen, their off-screen bonding was epic. "She was kind of my godsend on this film," says Kravitz. "It was nice to have another girl my age who is so fun and so beautiful."

"We, together, are like 'Dumb and Dumberer' or like Beavis and Butthead," Kravitz adds. "It's pretty embarrassing actually. Our IQs go down when we're together 'cause we're so stupid. But it was nice. We'd have slumber parties."

With her father, actor/musician Lenny Kravitz, cast in Lawrence's next project -- the big screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games" -- the actresses should have plenty of time to keep the love alive.

Getty Images

"I actually was talking to Jen today and she was like, 'It's only a two-hour flight!  Get out here now!'  So I might go see her even before.  I don't know when [my dad is] going, but yeah."

Speaking of relationships that blossomed on set... Kravitz walked away from "X-Men" with more than just a new best friend. Long-standing rumors of her romantic relationship with co-star Michael Fassbender have been confirmed -- photographers in New York City let the cat out of the bag with pics of the two strolling arm-in-arm over the weekend.

Kravitz explains, "I'm a very private person. I hang out in my neighborhood, I take the subway, I'm super into being a regular person, so no, [seeing those photos] was a weird experience."

"Things are good," she says of her relationship with Fassbender. "It's all good.  It's all good in the hood."

Reporting by Zach Smith, MTV Radio.

Getty Images

It's fitting that Zoë Kravitz's breakout role should come as Angel Salvadore, a genetically enhanced youngin in "X-Men: First Class." The 22-year-old has some pretty impressive genes of her own; her parents are rocker-turned-actor Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet.

After making her film debut in the 2007 Catherine Zeta-Jones vehicle "No Reservations" (where she had "about two lines"), Kravitz has dabbled mostly in low-budget indie fare, highlighted by an impressive turn in last year's "It's Kind of a Funny Story."

"First Class" will introduce many to the striking Kravitz, whose mutant is recruited from her day (night?) job as a stripper to help save the world from the brink of nuclear destruction. Her powers? Insect wings and, as Kravitz puts it, "she can also projectile vomit this acidic substance."

So yeah, she's got power vomit.

Fox

What did you buy with your first Hollywood paycheck?
Oh my god, what did I buy with my first Hollywood paycheck? Probably clothes.  Probably vintage clothes and maybe a really expensive sushi dinner.  That was probably all ["No Reservations"] paid for. [laughs]

Who are some of your acting inspirations?
Helena Bonham Carter is one of my favorites. Gene Wilder, Christopher Walken, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster…  I guess they're kind of obvious answers but they're all amazing.

How did having parents in showbiz prepare you for an acting career?
I don't know, I think it kind of just allowed me to not take it so seriously. I'm lucky to have parents that don't really take the industry so seriously and it wasn't really a topic of conversation very much at home.  We lived like just regular people, so I think that's helped me not really focus on that as much as just on what I love to do, which is acting.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

New York or L.A.?
New York.

"Harry Potter" or "Twilight?"
Neither.

Rock or rap?
Rock.

Beer or wine?
Wine. This is fun!

Beiber or Timberlake?
Timberlake.

Vampires, zombies, or werewolves?
Zombies!

Cowboys or aliens?
Aliens.

Lady Gaga or Madonna?
Madonna. The OG.

Apples or oranges?
Apples.

What would you be doing if you weren’t acting?
Music, or maybe directing.

What music are you listening to right now?
Right now I am listening to the new TV On the Radio, and the James Blake record, and this group called Little Dragons, which I just got really into as well.

What is your dream role in Hollywood?
I don’t really know.  I mean, one of my favorite roles is Helena Bonham Carter's character in "Fight Club."  I thought that was the most badass thing in the world.  I want to play character roles, which I think she's really good at… very dramatic, diverse characters that are kind of out-there.  It would be fun to play a serial killer.

Fox

Have you guys talked about more "X-Men" movies?
Yeah, it's definitely in all of our contracts.  We have to sign up for a three-picture deal, and we all enjoyed each other very much, so hopefully the film does well and they'll want to continue this.

So you guys built a lot of camaraderie on set?
Oh yeah, we all became very, very close.  It was kind of like summer camp, we became a group of silly kids.  It was awesome.

What’s next for you after "X-Men?"
Well I just did an independent film called "Yelling to the Sky," which is me and Gabourey Sidibe.  We were taking it around… we went to Berlin and South by Southwest, so we're kind of just taking that to different festivals right now. And then in January I’m meant to go to Australia to shoot "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Getty Images

It was a celebration of the swinging '60s. Mod dancers (on boxes!), vintage cars (for the stars!) and a live jazz band that never took a break set the stage for the New York premiere of "X Men: First Class."

A-list cast members including James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Lucas Till, Kevin Bacon and Zoe Kravitz pulled up to the scene in Cold-War-era rides, looking hot to trot.

And with good reason, "X Men: First Class" is certainly one of the most highly anticipated flicks this summer — and, from the looks of the scene tonight, it won't disappoint.

But what did the stars have to say? We caught up with them on the carpet to find out what they think makes this prequel so damn special.

Fassbender, who plays Magneto, cited the classic feel of this installment of the Marvel franchise.

"When I watched it I felt kind of like an 8-year-old again that was watching a classic sort of action-adventure," he tells NextMovie. "There are moments of poignancy. There are sinister moments, but then Matthew [Vaughn] — full credit to him — he has a great ability to bring an element of comic relief at just the right times."

While Kevin Bacon, who takes on Sebastian Shaw, didn't disagree with Fassbender, he had another take on what's going to strike a chord with audiences across the country.

"I think the surprise is going to be for people who don't necessarily like comic books or action movies — this is what I've heard time and time again — especially from women — saying, 'Wow, that was like, a really emotional movie, and really fun.' And you know what? It is fun. It's funny. It's sad. It's touching. It's sexy."

That's a pretty good sales pitch there, Kevin.

But perhaps it was one of the youngest members of the cast, Lucas Till, aka Havok, who had the most unique opinion. The barely-20-year-old thesp actually made reference to the political parallels of the film noting, "You can really call Xavier M.L.K. and you can really call Magneto Malcolm X. They were part of the civil rights movement; they were working for the equality of blacks. Now, in this movie, it's working for the equality of mutants. It's kind of interchangeable — not kind of, it's absolutely interchangeable."

He did attribute this realization to his co-star (and now friend) Zoe Kravitz, but whole-heartedly agreed with her assessment.

Another star with a personal insight to share was the gorgeous Rose Byrne, who tackles the challenging role of Dr. Moira MacTaggert. Byrne, who's fresh off the success of the comedy smash hit "Bridesmaids," sees a lot of similarities between herself and her edgy role in this flick. She explains that Moira "beomes an ally to James McAvoy's character and the two kind of bring mutants and humans together to coexist." That's a far cry from trying to throw a flawless Parisian bridal shower (though both have their merits).

Byrne coos, "She's super cool. She's a woman in a man's world. She's very driven. She's very ambitious. And she's very progressive, so I related to a lot of her in that sense." In other words, she's pretty awesome.

The camaraderie among the cast members was apparent at the premiere, as their talent will be in the film. This is one installment that's promising to deliver as much punch, and maybe (dare we say it?!) even more, as those that came before it.

"X Men: First Class" hits theaters June 3. We are officially counting down the days.

View Gallery »

CW

After a decade in which more black actors won Academy Awards than in the past seventy years combined, 2011 represents a setback: the Oscars failed to nominate a single black artist, and Vanity Fair's influential “Young Hollywood” cover featured a single black performer.

So here at NextMovie, we're gonna celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the hottest, up-and-coming young black actors. These nine-under-30 might not all be household names yet, but we think they represent the next generation of Anthony Mackies, Zoe Saldanas, and Will Smiths (literally).

Gabourey Sidibe

Lionsgate

Sidibe's Academy-Award nomination for her debut performance in "Precious" sends her to the top our list. She may be 27, but Sidibe's making a name for herself playing teens on the big screen (she co-stars opposite Zoe Kravitz in the upcoming indie drama "Yelling to the Sky," which premieres at the Berlin Film Fest this month) and on premium cable with the always-amazing Laura Linney and Idris Elba -- on Showtime's "The Big C."

If an Oscar nod, film-festival fodder and high-profile cable series don't make her instantly recognizable, appearing in Brett Ratner's ensemble comedy "Tower Heist" will. She's already made us cry, so making us laugh with co-stars Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick (she's already hosted "SNL") makes her precious, indeed.

Jaden Smith

Columbia

Sometimes acting talent can be inherited -- as Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow can attest. So it's no surprise that Will and Jada's offspring are following in their footsteps. Jaden, 12, was a natural charmer in last year's "The Karate Kid" reboot, holding his own both with impressive acting chops and karate chops.

Little sister Willow is reportedly headed to star in an "Annie" remake (produced her very own Daddy Warbucks), and both are set to play the protagonist sibs in the fantasy adventure "Amulet," based on a popular children's graphic novel. It seems Smiths will be dominating the summer box office for decades to come.

Keke Palmer

The Weinstein Company

Tweens know this 17-year-old beauty as the titular fashion exec in the hit Nickelodeon show "True Jackson, VP," but she broke out five years ago as the girl who stole our hearts in the feel-good weepie "Akeelah and the Bee."

Palmer, who has already appeared in 11 movies, will next play Queen Latifah's daughter in "Joyful Noise," a church-choir comedy also starring Dolly Parton. Two larger-than-life singer-turned-actresses sharing the screen already make this a must-see; hearing Palmer belting with the divas is icing on the cake.

Donald Glover

Lionsgate

Comedy writer, sitcom regular, Twitter aficionado, hipster fashionista -- Glover is a man of many talents. After making the leap from "30 Rock" scribe to "Community" star, fan-casting nearly won Glover auditions as Spiderman and Superman; although he didn't get the parts, the hype made Glover a social-media star.

Glover's next project is reportedly a role in Jason Segel's much-anticipated "Muppets" movie (produced by Judd Apatow), due out this November. If that's not proof of his popularity, he's currently nominated for the "On the Brink" NewNowNext Award, the only black actor competing with fellow pretty young things like Andrew Garfield, Darren Criss, and Nicholas Hoult.

Zoe Kravitz

Focus

Another showbiz offspring, Kravitz (daughter of Lenny and former "Cosby" kid Lisa Bonet) has been appearing in movies since 2007's comedy "No Reservations."

After making her way through the indies "It's Kind of a Funny Story," "Birds of America," and the upcoming "Yelling to the Sky," the 22-year-old stunner will star in her first big-budget popcorn flick as a member of the "X-Men: First Class." Kravitz plays the winged mutant Tempest. She's also slated to appear in the reboot of another franchise, the classic post-apocalyptic Aussie thriller, "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Tessa Thompson

Lionsgate

Thompson shines as the youngest cast member in Tyler Perry's emotional adaptation "For Colored Girls,” holding her own opposite a terrific ensemble of award-winning actresses, like Phylicia Rashad, Whoopi Goldberg, Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine and Thandie Newton.

A primetime regular since 2006, ("Veronica Mars," "Grey's Anatomy," "Heroes") Thompson continues to impress with her stand-out character work. She'll grace the screen in at least three films in 2011, including the pregnancy drama "South Dakota," and the sci-fi thriller "Red & Blue Marbles." After her heartbreaking performance in "For Colored Girls," she's ready for a leading role.

Brandon T. Jackson

Warner Bros.

If a script calls for a funny, young black guy, chances are Jackson will be up for the part. He's been the comic-relief sidekick in more than 20 movies already, most memorably in "Tropic Thunder," "Tooth Fairy," and last year's "Lottery Ticket" and "Percy Jackson."

Next up, the 26-year-old plays Martin Lawrence's kid in the cross-dressing comedy "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son," (in theaters this Friday) and "A Talent For Trouble," an indie comedy due out later this year.

Katerina Graham

CW

Google her name, and you'll discover she already has a cult following (including thousands of fanfics) for her supporting role as Bonnie Bennett, a beautiful young witch in The CW's hit supernatural drama "The Vampire Diaries."

But the Swiss-born, half-Liberian model-turned-actress is quickly breaking into big-screen roles, popping up in the thriller "The Roommate" (now in theaters), "Boogie Town," the upcoming hip-hop reboot of "West Side Story, and Cedric the Entertainer's directorial debut, "Chicago Pulaski Jones."

Evan Ross

City Lights

Primetime soap fans know him from the current season of "90210," but Ross and his smoldering eyes have been around since 2006, when he debuted in the urban coming-of-age drama "ATL."
He's yet to hit it big, but he's appeared in more than 15 movies and shows.
With his inherited good looks from his mom, Motown diva Diana Ross, a nuanced acting style, and at least six more movies on the horizon -- including the teen drama "96 Minutes" and "Macbett," a Caribbean remake of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" -- we have faith that 2011 will be good to Ross.

Kali Hawk

Universal

After her scene-stealing performance as Faizon Love's much-younger girlfriend in 2009's "Couples Retreat," Hawk -- who previously appeared in Spike Lee's short Maria Carey-spoof "Lovers & Haters" and a few straight-to-DVD projects -- played P. Diddy's assistant in "Get Him to the Greek," initiating her in the world of Judd Apatow-produced comedies.

For 2011, Hawk's leading-lady looks and comedy skills scored her a role in Craig Robinson and Kerri Washington's family laughter "We the Peeples," the ensemble drama "Answers to Nothing" with Dane Cook and Elizabeth Mitchell, and the latest buzzed-about Apatow production, "Bridesmaids," starring Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph.

Warner Bros.

There are only so many Will Smiths and Natalie Portmans to go around, and as much as Hollywood producers would love to cast them in everything (for reals, Portman's in like 100 movies this year) they have to eventually take a chance on some fresh faces. 

But which of those faces have the appropriate level of freshness? Our handy guide will let you know exactly which ponies to bet on (like "Sucker Punch" lead Emily Browning, left) as we scour through the wheat and the chaff to predict the most promising breakout success stories of the year to come. 

Hayley Atwell

Paramount

To Be Seen In: "Captain America: The First Avenger" (July 22) 

NextFactor: This stunning Brit brunette first caught our eye as the femme fatale in Woody Allen's dark drama "Cassandra's Dream," then continued to turn heads as a corset queen in "The Duchess." She won't be the only bombshell on screen when she plays Peggy Carter, the World War II gal-pal of Marvel's Star Spangled Avenger (Chris Evans). 

Emily Browning

Legendary Pictures

Starring In: "Sucker Punch" (March 25) 

NextFactor: "She's going to break a million hearts." That's what no less than Jim Carrey said of Browning when at age 16 she co-starred with ol' rubberface in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events." This could be the year the prophecy comes true when the ethereal actress flashes those doe-eyes, a piece, and a samurai sword in Zack Snyder's berzerker action-fantasy hybrid, "Sucker Punch." 

Asa Butterfield

Getty Images

Starring In: "Hugo Cabret" (Dec. 9) 

Next Factor: After winning heaps of praise in 2008 for the lead role in Holocaust drama "The Boy in Striped Pyjamas," this lad of only 13 years has landed the second plum role of his career, the title character in Martin Scorsese's "Hugo Cabret." Based on the stellar young adult novel by Brian Selznick, the movie blends magic, mystery, and real-life cinema history, and will showcase Butterfield in 3-D. 

Jay Chou

Sony

Starring In: "The Green Hornet" (Jan. 14) 

Next Factor: This Taiwanese music superstar is so lauded in Asia that a special denotation ("Chou Style") was created for his brand of cross-genre pop. Now he is poised for international film superstardom playing Kato, the flashy sidekick to Seth Rogen's Green Hornet. Early indications suggest Chou's quiet-cool and martial-arts prowess steals the show, living up to the previous incarnation of Kato played by a little guy called BRUCE-FRICKIN'-LEE! Ka-Pow! 

Jamie Chung

Getty Images

Starring In: "Suckerpunch" (March 25), "The Hangover Part II" (May 26) 

Next Factor: Former resident of MTV's "Real World: San Diego," Miss Chung is going to double your pleasure, double your fun with two minty-fresh blockbusters in a row (but not a sorority row). First up we'll see her kicking all sorts of android/dragon/zombie/giant samurai butt alongside Emily Browning in "Sucker Punch," then she'll sleaze it up with the wolfpack as Stu's fiancé in "Hangover II." This superstar-to-be already has action-packed "Premium Rush" in 2012. 

Lily Collins

Getty Images

Starring In: "Priest" (May 13), "Abduction" (September 23) 

Next Factor: There's no jacket required to love the 21-year-old daughter of Genesis front man Phil Collins, who came into our line of scrimmage as Sandra Bullock's daughter in "The Blind Side." She'll pull double-duty opposite Paul Bettany's vampire slaying "Priest," and will be there when Taylor Lautner gets abducted (not by vampires). And there are even bigger things to come: She's also landed the lead character of Clara Fray in the 2012 "Mortal Instruments" book adaptation. 

Brooklyn Decker

Getty Images

Starring In: "Just Go With It" (Feb. 11) 

Next Factor: This Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl and Esquire's 2010 "Sexiest Woman Alive" has been seeking to simultaneously conquer the worlds of both entertainment and hotness, and is doing a damn good job. After a few odd TV gigs, she's landed a key role in the Adam Sandler farce "Just Got With It," and then in 2012 she'll be screaming "You sunk my Battleship!" in theaters everywhere. 

Shiloh Fernandez

Getty Images

Starring In: "Red Riding Hood" (March 11), "Skateland" (Jan. 25) 

Next Factor: One of the original contenders to play Edward Cullen, Fernandez will get a second shot to recreate gothic folklore with "Twilight" helmer Catherine Hardwicke as the male love interest to Amanda Seyfried in "Red Riding Hood." The model-turned-actor will also get to spread his indie wings as a Texan riding the disaffected teenage confusion train in "Skateland." 

Claire Foy

Relativity Media

Starring In: "Season of the Witch" (Jan. 7) 

Next Factor: Though the movie itself is pure camp silliness, Miss Foy emerges from "Season"'s B-movie forest unscathed, bringing far more intrigue and nuance than her seasoned co-stars, or Nicolas Cage's hairpiece. She almost comes across as a sweeter British Kristen Stewart, so when the time comes for the inevitable reboot ("Twilight Begins") we'll know who to turn to. Read Foy's NextFactor Q&A 

Dave Franco

Getty Images

Starring In: "Fright Night" (Aug. 19) 

Next Factor: If his famous bro James is the modern-day James Dean, then Dave has inherited the looks of Montgomery Clift. What was going on in that womb? Dave has had notable bit parts in "Milk" and "Greenberg" but may step out of his brother's shadow in the remake of "Fright Night" opposite Colin Farrell. As scary as it may be, it can't be any scarier than these acting tutorials. 

Greta Gerwig

Magnolia Pictures

Starring In: "No Strings Attached" (Jan. 21), "Arthur" (April 8th) 

Next Factor: This former darling of the low-budget mumblecore scene blipped onto the radar last year for her sweet turn opposite Ben Stiller in "Greenberg." Now she'll parlay that easy charm into studio big-time as the token best friend in "No Strings Attached" and Liza Minnelli's role in the "Arthur" remake with badboy Russell Brand. If she follows in Minnelli's footsteps with a one-woman-show called "Greta!" then we'll start to worry. 

Chris Hemsworth

Paramount

Starring In: "Thor" (May 6), "Red Dawn" (TBA) 

Next Factor: This slab of Melbourne beefcake appeared briefly as the poppa of James T. Kirk during the opening of 2009's "Star Trek." Now he'll embody The God of Thunder himself as the eponymous "Thor," dishing out justice with his mighty hammer Mjöllnir, and continue Thor's reign of superhumanness into Marvel's 2012 "The Avengers." Somewhere in there he managed to shoot both "Cabin in the Woods" and the "Red Dawn" remake for ailing MGM, which has yet to set release dates for either. Boo. 

Nicholas Hoult

Getty Images

Starring In: "X-Men: First Class" (June 3) 

Next Factor: We still remember him from "About a Boy" as the precocious 12-year-old opposite caddish Hugh Grant (is there any other kind of Hugh Grant?), yet Hoult is growing up fast and winning raves in films like "A Single Man." Now he'll get to flex his furry blue muscles as Beast in the latest "X-Men" spin-off. Our sympathies to Kelsey Grammer. 

Julianne Hough

Sony Pictures

Starring In: "Footloose" (Oct. 14) 

Next Factor: Any country music star who appears in a Snoop Dogg video, a Juicy Fruit commercial, and dates Ryan Seacrest is just asking for trouble, but since appearing in "Burlesque" last year Hough is looking to champion all media. The first high-profile role on her dance card is Craig Brewer's remake of "Footloose," so if all else fails she'll at least be one degree closer to Kevin Bacon. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Getty Images

Starring In: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (July 1) 

Next Factor: Ooh la la! Rosie will put the color back in anyone's cheeks. When Michael Bay needed to prove how replaceable Megan Fox was to the "Transformers" franchise, he nabbed this lingerie model with no acting experience to play Shia's love object… er, interest in the battlebot threequel. She must have had a very impressive audition to win the role, but only Victoria knows her secret. (*wink*) 

Jeremy Irvine

DreamWorks

Starring In: "War Horse" (Dec. 28) 

Next Factor: Irvine came out of nowhere (well, a UK Disney Channel show) to take the reins of Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," a World War I adventure tale in which he plays the lead of a young boy who enlists in order to find his pal Joey, the title horse. Aside from noted Brit thesps (Emily Watson, David Thewlis), Irvine is carrying a flick from the biggest director in the world; someone has some major faith in this kid. 

Zoë Kravitz

Getty Images

Starring In: "X-Men: First Class" (June 3) 

Next Factor: The multi-talented progeny of Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet (She can siiiiiiiiiing! She can aaaaaaaact!) has been making big moves in the indie world since bursting onto the scene in 2007. Now she's letting her freak-flag fly as acid-spitting winged insectoid mutant Angel Salvadore for the much-anticipated "X-Men" prequel. If all goes well she'll hop right into shooting the delayed "Mad Max: Fury Road." 

Rooney Mara

Getty Images

Starring In: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" (Dec. 21) 

Next Factor: This sharp 25-year-old beat out some of the top names in Hollywood for what might seriously be the most sought-after female role since Scarlett O'Hara: Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's English-language remake of "Dragon Tattoo." It helped that she dominates every scene she had as straight-talking Erica Albright in Fincher's "Social Network," and we look forward to seeing her ride motorcycles, hack computers and solve crimes, i.e. "livin' the dream." 

Elsa Pataky

Getty Images

Starring In: "Fast Five" (April 29) 

Next Factor: Having just married Chris Hemsworth, does that make this Spanish actress a goddess by default? Elsa doesn't actually need any assist from Thor to fit that bill, as her beauty has been scorching international audiences for over a decade, and now her career will get a Diesel injection when she co-stars in the latest "Fast and Furious." Still too early to tell if she'll be around when they get to "Fast Fifteen" in 2025. 

Alex Pettyfer

DreamWorks

Starring In: "I Am Number Four" (Feb. 18), "Beastly" (March 18), "Now" (Sept. 30) 

Next Factor: Pulling triple-duty this year is blonde teen-idol in-the-making Pettyfer, whose lead role in the Spielberg-produced sci-fi action-adventure "I Am Number Four" could make this chiseled actor/model number one with the ladies. He'll also learn to be pretty on the inside with Vanessa Hudgeons in "Beastly," and then stops aging completely for the sci-fi thriller "Now." 

Noomi Rapace

Getty Images

Starring In: "Sherlock Holmes 2" (Dec. 16) 

Next Factor: Rooney Mara may get to play Salander in English, but this Swedish babe has already made that dragon tattoo her own in the original versions seen round-the-world. Rapace will run from many-an-explosion as a French Gypsy in the second of Robert Downey Jr.'s adrenaline-injected turns as Holmes, her first foray into Hollywood. If her continental English accent is as sexy as she is, we're in for a treat. 

BooBoo Stewart

Getty Images

Starring In: "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" (Nov. 18) 

Next Factor: Although he only had a minor role in "Eclipse," Stewart's character Seth Clearwater becomes integral in the two-part "Twilight Saga" finale "Breaking Dawn" as both Jacob's second-in-command and an unlikely werewolf ally to Bella and Edward. That's good news for the 16-year-old actor/wrestler/singer/dancer/model. Team Clearwater, anyone? 

Aimee Teegarden

Getty Images

Starring In: "Scream 4" (April 15), "Prom" (April 29) 

Next Factor: Best known as Julie on "Friday Night Lights," Teegarden will be stalked and slashed by Ghostface in Wes Craven's 4th trip into post-modern meta-horror. She'll then take a (hopefully) more bloodless trip to Disney's "Prom" where she will no doubt learn life lessons about love, maturity, and limo rentals. 

Gemma Ward

Getty Images

Starring In: "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (May 20) 

Next Factor: Part of the wave of elfin, baby-doll featured models to hit runways in recent years, she was last seen as one of the three masked weirdos in "The Strangers," appropriately named "Dollface." She'll mince it up with Captain Jack in his latest pirate jaunt, playing a mermaid named Tamara. Whatever gets her closer to playing a Gelfling in a "Dark Crystal" sequel is fine by us. 

Kenny Wormald

Paramount

Starring In: "Footloose" (Oct. 14) 

Next Factor: "Wormald" definitely wins the "least likely superstar name" award. You have to wonder if his agents ever encouraged him to change it… But we digress. Wormald will step out into the lead in "Footloose," which he won after both Zac Efron and Chace Crawford bowed out. This professional dancer is gonna bring some pizzazz to a Tennessee town that don't like dancin', but don't forget, Kenny… JAZZHANDS!