Leelee, who was discovered by a casting agent six years ago, has critics raving over her performances in movies like Deep Impact and A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

Offscreen: She attends a private high school in L.A. where, among other things, she's learning to speak French. In her spare time, she writes poetry, rides horses and practices martial arts.

Coming Attraction: She's set to star in a TV miniseries about Joan of Arc. She'll also appear alongside Drew Barrymore in the comedy Never Been Kissed and - best of all - costar with Tom Cruise in the upcoming Eyes Wide Shut.

Starstruck: Her idol is Jodie Foster. "She acts, directs and produces.... She's a smart, beautiful woman."

Sneak Preview: "In ten years, I hope to have written a script. There are so many things I want to do. If I stop acting, there are a whole lot of other fields.

How She'll Change The World: By forsaking stereotypical teen roles for the kind of work that challenges her - and the audience.