Top 99 Women 2011 Edition

Why Blake Lively Is No.1
When Blake Lively, sporting a spectacular Chanel frock, walked the red carpet at this year's Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of her film The Town, her transformation was officially complete. In just three years, Lively had gone from star of the salacious teen soap Gossip Girl to a legitimate movie star. But today, with her nomination for Favorite TV Drama Actress at the 2011 People's Choice Awards, Blake Lively is on the verge of something even bigger. With her relationship to Penn Badgley quietly behind her and a growing sense that, despite its continued success, Gossip Girl is nearing an end, Lively continues her transition to the big screen as she prepares for next summer’s superhero saga Green Lantern, in which she plays Ryan Reynolds' love interest. Unlike some of her equally-talented colleagues whose careers were derailed by the temptations that accompany sudden success (don't worry, Lindsay -- we won't mention any names), Lively has climbed to the top of the ranks with an unusual amount of dignity and composure. At just 23 years old, she's a highly sought-after actress (is there a high-profile film she's not attached to these days?), a New York City style icon and a proud proprietor of the sexiest cleavage in Hollywood.

**Personal Note**
No Way would I have her #1 over half the women on this list.

Why Mila Kunis Is No.2
If you never thought Mila Kunis had what it takes to be a movie star, don't worry -- neither did we. Before she was cast as the crush-magnet love interest in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Kunis was best known as Jackie, Ashton Kutcher's ditzy arm candy in That 70's Show and as the grating voice of Meg Griffin, misfit daughter in Family Guy. Neither suggested movie-star pedigree. But as the funny, charming and gorgeous hotel clerk in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Kunis was a revelation. She's since gone on to star in Max Payne, The Book of Eli and the psychological thriller Black Swan, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for the same role. Next year, Kunis returns to her romantic comedy roots in Friends with Benefits, where she'll star alongside fellow fledgling movie star Justin Timberlake as best friends who complicate their relationship by having sex. In Timberlake’s shoes, it's a risk we'd be happy to take.

Why Sofia Vergara Is No.3
We can talk about the clever writing on ABC’s monster hit Modern Family until the show wins its billionth Emmy, but we all know the reason men everywhere (especially in the 18-34 demographic) watch the popular sitcom is to get that weekly dose of Sofia Vergara, owner of the best cleavage on television (sorry, Christina Hendricks). We’ll be the first to admit that as the Colombian bombshell-turned-matriarch of a white, upper-middle-class, suburban family, Vergara’s overacting can be a bit grating, but with a rack like that, the former model and television hostess could be the sonic facsimile of glass on a chalkboard, and we’d still love her. This year, she was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. And with boyfriend Nick Loeb considering a run for the Senate, Vergara's giving men a whole new reason to be engaged in politics.

Why Selita Ebanks Is No.4
Cayman Islands-born beauty Selita Ebanks has been on male radar since she started working with designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. In 2005, she joined the esteemed Victoria’s Secret Angels, remaining an Angel until 2009. The next year, she moved into reality television as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice, only to get fired halfway through the season. Her most notable project to date has been her role in Kanye West’s epic 35-minute music video for "Runaway," in which she trades her Angel wings to play a half-woman/half-Phoenix who falls to Earth, is rescued by West and falls in love with him. He should be so lucky. Having sampled the worlds of fashion, television and music videos, Selita Ebanks’ next project will see her attempt to break into the world of publishing when she releases her own self-help book for women.

Why Miranda Kerr Is No.5
When Miranda Kerr signed on with Victoria’s Secret as Gisele Bundchen’s official replacement in 2007, many wondered if the statuesque Aussie had what it took to fill the legendary Brazilian’s, er, bra. Well, it’s 2011, and Kerr has done more than fill it; she’s made it her own. Currently one of the top-paid models in the world (Gisele still tops the list), Kerr has become the luxe lingerie brand’s most recognizable face (it must be those dimples), and her marriage to Orlando Bloom and the recent birth of their son is the stuff fairy tales are made of. Last year, when Sydney-based banker David Kiely was suspended from his job after he was seen viewing racy photos of the model on his computer while in the background of a co-worker’s live television interview, Kerr publicly supported the scorned worker and helped him regain his job. Swoon.

Why Cheryl Cole Is No.6
Are we the only ones who see Cheryl Cole as the dance-pop Natalie Portman? The dimpled singer has a youthful elegance oomphed by her dance energy and her pop fame -- 20 top 10 UK singles, both with her girl group Girls Aloud and as a solo gal. She's been nominated for this year's BRIT Awards for Best Single for her hit "Parachute" and for Best Female Artist. She’s also Will.i.am’s favorite English muse, opening the Black Eyed Peas 2010 Euro tour (Fergie must have loved that). Ranking No. 20 in last year’s AskMen poll, the Brit glam princess is a fashion maven who attained and maintained synth ’n' b superstardom in Europe. Even New York indie rockers Vampire Weekend have fallen for her. Get in line.

Why Scarlett Johansson Is No.7
On the day that Scarlett Johansson announced her separation from Ryan Reynolds (who just happens to be the reigning "Sexiest Man Alive"), there was a noticeable spike in gym membership purchases, the Shulton Company (original producers of Old Spice) saw a massive increase in stock value and boutique barbershops reported lines around the block. Men everywhere were suddenly rejuvenated; they had purpose for their hope -- long extinguished -- was renewed. Scarlett Johansson, the de facto sexiest woman in Hollywood, was officially single again and yours to lose. Unfortunately the buxom beauty won’t have time to be wooed in the near or distant future, with roles in Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo and the Marvel mash-up The Avengers to film. But if you happen to catch ScarJo in that brief moment when she travels from her trailer to hair and makeup, all the power to you.

**Personal Note**
She would be higher on my list top 3

Why Katy Perry Is No.8
When Katy Perry wasn't shooting whipped cream out of her bra, distracting Sesame Street's Elmo with her fantastic cleavage or single-handedly resurrecting the latex-dress industry, the California girl was busy achieving one of the most successful single years ever for a female pop star. Perry's sophomore album, Teenage Dream, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced three colossal hits, including the inescapable Snoop Dogg-fueled summer anthem “California Gurls.” Her banner year continued as she married British rapscallion Russell Brand, became the second most-searched artist online (after Justin Bieber -- it’s hard to compete with a teenage heartthrob) and earned four Grammy nominations, including an unexpected one for Album of The Year. Next year, Perry will make the inevitable leap to the big screen when she lends her voice to Smurfette in the animated Smurfs film. It may not have the same prestige as Justin Timberlake’s acclaimed role in The Social Network, but, hey, it's a start.

**Personal Note**
Wouldnt even made it on my list

Why Anne Hathaway Is No.9
It seems like just yesterday that Anne Hathaway was charming audiences as the precocious teen in Disney's smash hit The Princess Diaries. Today, the stunning actress and heir-apparent to Julia Roberts' throne finds herself in an exclusive group of young starlets who get first crack at Hollywood's most coveted roles. She has smoothly shed her good-girl image by starring in searing adult-oriented fare like Brokeback Mountain and Rachel Getting Married, while retaining a firm grasp on the coveted female demographic with her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and this year's Love and Other Drugs (in which Hathaway exposes her flawless breasts, something she's been prone to do). She was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her role in the same film. And this month, she'll take on the daunting task of hosting the Oscars (alongside James Franco), a shrewd career move for one of Hollywood's hottest A-listers. The gig will mark Hathaway's first appearance onstage at the Oscars, but it certainly won’t be her last.

Why Jessica Pare Is No.10
When Don Draper proposed to his new secretary Megan on the season finale of Mad Men, Canadian actress Jessica Pare -- who plays the doe-eyed pencil pusher -- became an overnight sensation and the subject of fervent water-cooler discussion across North America the next day. Finally, the rest of the world had clued into what Canadians had been saying for years: Jessica Pare is a star. After years on the cusp of mainstream success, having appeared in films like Stardom, Wicker Park, and a memorable topless cameo in Hot Tub Time Machine, Jessica Pare is finally primed for a breakout, with her character set to return for Mad Men's fifth season.

Why Natalie Portman Is No.11
When the red-band trailer forYour Highness, featuring Natalie Portman’s bare butt in a skimpier-than-thou bikini, debuted online, the Medieval stoner comedy (also starring James Franco and Danny McBride) instantly became our most anticipated film of 2011. Over the years, we’ve watched the staggeringly beautiful Portman mature from an intergalactic space queen into one of Hollywood’s most talented dramatic actresses, an arc that will reach its apex when Portman walks away with this year’s Best Actress Oscar for her shattering performance in the ballet thriller Black Swan (she's already won this year's Golden Globe Award for Best Actress). But don’t think that means the Harvard graduate will start taking herself too seriously. Not only is she starring in next summer’s superhero epic Thor, but Portman’s currently shopping a script she wrote called BYO, which is being described as a female version of Superbad, in which Portman and a female co-star will get drunk and hook up with dudes. Um, we’re, like, so there.

**Personal Note**
She would be top 3 on my list

Why Emmanuelle Chriqui Is No.12
Did you really think she'd win two years in a row? While last year's No. 1 most desirable woman, Emmanuelle Chriqui, is just as deserving of the title again this year, even we are a little more creative than that. Last year, we praised Chriqui for her ability to remain mysterious in an age where paparazzi-driven over-exposure is de rigueur. This year has been no different. Do you know who she's dating? Neither do we. Even her role as Eric's fiancee, Sloan, on HBO's Entourage has been reduced to the occasional appearances in which she makes phone calls from the road to check in on her man. This brings us to an important question: Why isn't Emmanuelle Chriqui on screen more often? And by "more often," we mean "all the time." Wake up, casting directors; don't sleep on her. On second thought, that doesn't sound so bad.

**Personal Note**
Why is she even on this list? I mean she hasnt done anything in forever.

Why Jessica Alba Is No.13
Not long ago, Jessica Alba had a monopoly on the "Sexiest Women Alive" lists released annually by men's magazines everywhere. But after an unlikely marriage to Cash Warren (really, that guy?), a break from work following the birth of their first child, and a string of box-office flops (who thought that making a second Fantastic Four would be a good idea?), Alba has fallen off the hottie radar, usurped by younger, more ambitious actresses (and by that, we mean women with bigger breasts). We'll give Alba credit for her turn as an abuse victim in the difficult-to-watch psychodrama The Killer Inside Me (the scene in which Casey Affleck attacks her may be one of the most gruesome things ever put on film), but her role in the upcoming fourth installment of the Spy Kids franchise doesn't seem like the fastest route to a comeback. Here's hoping Spy Kids director Robert Rodriguez finds a better role to resurrect the profile his sometimes-muse. We'd hate to see "talent" like that go to waste.

Why Kate Beckinsale Is No.14
There are few things that confound us more than Kate Beckinsale's uneven career trajectory. Armed with an inherent exquisiteness that led Esquire to name her its Sexiest Woman Alive in 2009 and a credibility-inducing British accent, Beckinsale theoretically should be far more successful than she is. But the UK native has been unable to establish herself in the upper echelon of Hollywood actresses despite consistent work that's been dotted with appearances in prestige films (The Aviator and, well, that's it). Beckinsale is more often associated with big-budget flops (Pearl Harbor, Van Helsing) and half-baked B movies (the entire Underworld franchise, for which a fourth film is currently in production). Still, we have to give the woman credit. With more disappointments than a mother of six one-legged Pygmy yodelers, Beckinsale continues to search for the hit that might launch her into the same category as some of her more esteemed colleagues. Beckinsale is currently shooting The Trials of Cate McCullough with Sienna Miller and Contraband with Mark Wahlberg. Now if only she would leave those damned Underworld films alone.

Why Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Is No.15
When Michael Bay unceremoniously dismissed Megan Fox from the third installment of his Transformers franchise, the bombastic director knew the importance of finding someone drop-dead sexy enough to fill Fox's iconic cut-offs. Hearing the announcement that Shia Labeouf's love interest in Transformers: The Dark of The Moon would be played by Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, fanboys everywhere took one look at her and collectively exclaimed "Megan who?" Sure, the statuesque British stunner has no prior acting experience, but here's hoping Whiteley's boyfriend Jason Statham -- himself no stranger to running from explosions -- gives her the appropriate advice. But whether she’s prepared for the role or not, next summer we will witness the birth of a new global sex symbol, and her name is Rosie.

Why Penelope Cruz Is No.16
It's been only a decade since Penelope Cruz took Hollywood by storm, first as Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's sensual muse and then as on-and-off-screen love interest to some of Hollywood's foremost leading men (including Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey). Cruz has already won an Oscar for her performance in Vicki Cristina Barcelona and has become one of the most photographed women in the world along the way. Her personal life is also flourishing; having wed fellow Spanish icon and English-language crossover superstar Javier Bardem, she gave birth to her first child with him early this year. All that seems left to complete Cruz's impressive resume is that elusive Hollywood blockbuster, the one she thought she was getting when she signed up for the disastrous Sahara in 2005. Maybe her role opposite Johnny Depp in next summer's Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will do the trick. Call it a hunch.

Why Emma Watson Is No.17
Emma Watson has literally grown up before our very eyes. It's been a decade since the ethereal young actress graced the screen as Hermione in the first installment of the epic Harry Potter franchise. She was just an adorable child then, but seven Potter films later, Watson has matured into a glamorous if not semi-reluctant movie star. Most predict that Watson, of all the Harry Potter stars, has the best shot at a career when the franchise ends, but as one of the richest young actresses in Hollywood, she may never have to work another day in her life. With the final chapter of the Potter franchise set for release next summer and with Watson currently immersed in her undergraduate studies at Brown University, it may be a while before we see her in a starring role outside of J. K. Rowling's universe. In the meantime, Harry Potter marathon at our place!

Why Marisa Miller Is No.18
Marisa Miller has been a highly coveted model since her first shoot with Mario Testino a decade ago. As we’ve gotten to know her -- in various stages of undress -- through a multitude of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and Victoria’s Secret projects, she’s continued to impress us with her physical endowments and career versatility. 2010 saw her give up her status as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and make new strides as an NFL spokesmodel, an “Official First Mate” for Captain Morgan’s new branding campaign and as proud designer of a line of paddle boards. If Marisa Miller’s designs get more women out of their clothes and into the water, then we’re all for it.

Why Bar Refaeli Is No.19
Having broken ground as the very first Israeli model to make the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Bar Refaeli continues to be her country’s most internationally recognized beauty. After gracing the cover of the 2009 SI Swimsuit Issue (two years after her first appearance in the annual edition), she spent 2010 fronting a pair of high-profile autumn and winter collections for Passionata and the Liverpool Fashion Fest, respectively. In her private life, she was again on the arm of Leonardo DiCaprio, whom she has dated since 2005 but from whom she had separated (apparently only temporarily) in 2009. Next, Bar Refaeli will trade modeling for acting with a starring role in the Israeli psychological thriller Session.