a guy thing 8 actresses who don't need Oscar to call them By Vic Vogler Denver Post Staff Writer Sunday, March 27, 2005 - With the Oscars far enough past that we no longer have to apologize for missing "The Aviator" and Leo DiCaprio's celebrated portrayal of someone older than 18, it's time to honor a handful of the coolest actresses never to sit on the Academy's prom court. Nominees aren't on the list, which doesn't mean this year's best and supporting winners, Hilary Swank and Cate Blanchett, lack for cool. Though let's face it: Maggie the obsessive boxer (Swank) seems like a bad date, and Katharine Hepburn (Blanchett) sounded less grating in real life. The point is that while Oscar may come a' courtin' in the future, these actresses don't need the corsage to establish their worth. They have an edge and intensity that often speaks the language of commerce but is always fluent in art. Life deepens after you've watched them at their best. The list does not include the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Lopez or even Tara Reid (though "American Pie" is this generation's "Sophie's Choice"). First, their coolness factor is dubious or at least not established; second, we as guys are obvious enough about lusting for obvious babes. The reasoning behind the list, a subjective sampling, is both sincere and ulterior. First, Hope Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jada Pinkett Smith, Katie Holmes, Tilda Swinton, Kirsten Dunst, Meg Ryan and Parker Posey truly rock. Second, acknowledging them only builds our cred with the sort of intelligent women we're always saying we want to meet. "Why, yes, Janice, Hope's character in 'About Schmidt' could've done better than a waterbed salesman. She could've picked - me." And with that, in no particular order ... Katie Holmes The "Dawson's Creek" alum can play both sweetly savvy ("Wonder Boys") and inner-city jaded ("Pieces of April"). What stands out is her sense of humor, which leavens a beauty that might otherwise smother her roles (as it has sometimes with Michelle Pfeiffer). Her indie cred established in films like "April" and "Go," Holmes, 26, seems headed for big-budget fame. At her best: "Pieces of April." See her next in: "Batman Begins." Romantic status: She and actor Chris Klein recently broke off their engagement. Could sub for: Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba. Link to article

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