By Stacy Jenel Smith

The year 2007 positively glowed with new star power - fresh and wondrous talent emerging all over the entertainment scene, and performers whose names we knew ascending to shimmering new heights.

In films, 20-year-old Golden Globe nominee Ellen Page wowed moviegoers (and quickly started collecting critics awards) as flip pregnant teen "Juno." She could toss off bon mots with ease, yet showed her profound ability best in a wordless roadside solo scene that took her character emotional miles. Her poignantly portrayed onscreen baby daddy, Michael Cera, is another breakout this year. The bodaciously-talented 19-year-old former "Arrested Development" kid made his biggest splash with Jonah Hill as two hapless party boys in the outrageous comedy hit "Superbad."

Emile Hirsch, 22, has been making movies for years, but attained breakthrough status in '07, losing 40 pounds to play astonishing adventurer Christopher McCandless in Sean Penn's "Into the Wild." Marion Cotillard, a.k.a. The French Angelina Jolie, penetrated American moviegoers' consciousness (and garnered a Golden Globe nom) with her performance as iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose." Now fans are practically salivating over the idea of her starring in Rob Marshall's upcoming big-screen adaptation of the sexy musical "Nine."

Yes, we knew AnnaSophia Robb from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and her terrific work in "Because of Winn-Dixie." In 2007, the luminous 14-year-old blond had "Bridge to Terabithia" and "The Reaping" out, and has six more movies en route to screen in '08. Not this year, but one of these years, she'll be in the Oscar running. Count on it.

And yes, we also certainly knew Shia LeBeouf. The one-time Disney Channel annoyance was transformed to full-fledged popcorn movie attraction this year with "Transformers," "Surf's Up" and "Disturbia." (We also liked him in "The Greatest Game Ever Played" last year - hello? Anyone?) Next up: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

Chris Brown, already a platinum-selling hip hop recording star at 18, proved to have acting chops, too. He shone in the January-debuting dance movie "Stomp The Yard," then was singled out by critic after critic for his charming performance in "This Christmas."

A whole new school of young stars appeared on the small screen this year - that school being the Upper East Side haven for rich young socialites seen on the CW's "Gossip Girl." Leighton Meester turned heads, Blake Lively proved her "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" charisma was the real deal, and Chace Crawford found himself with legions of fans. (And he's dating Carrie Underwood.)

Although NBC's "Bionic Woman" wobbled after a great start, its 23-year-old heroine, Michelle Ryan, earned a place on this year's breakthrough list. The British "Eastenders" star, who has been among FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007, seems to be on the scene to stay.

So does Julliard School graduate Lee Pace, whose "Pushing Daisies" became an instant hit for ABC. And Chyler Leigh, who joined "Grey's Anatomy" full-time as Lexie Grey.

"Chuck's" walking computer of a man, Zachary Levy, downloaded oodles of fans among viewers and critics alike. And hottie Bret Harrison became another breakout name for the CW with "Reaper."

Musically speaking, Amy Winehouse, Amy Winehouse, Amy Winehouse.

Oh, yes, she already had fans enraptured throughout the United Kingdom long before the U.S. caught on. Now she is this year's six-time-nominated Grammy darling, with her one-of-a-kind metallic-edged voice, her mesmerizing stage presence, her creative songwriting ("Rehab"!) and her endless stream of tabloid 'n' TMZ-worthy personal travails.

Sadly, we've even seen bloggers speculating on whether it'll be Amy or Britney who self-destructs first. Winehouse's drug and alcohol abuse, man problems, cancelled performances - here's hoping she can find her way out of the all-too-familiar role of the messed-up super diva. What is it with these women?

Taylor Swift, 18, took her place among country's faves with her self-titled album producing three top-10 singles so far, the CMA Horizon Award and a Best New Artist Grammy nomination.

"American Idol" reject (okay, fourth-place winner) Chris Daughtry cemented his place in the pop firmament this year, continuing his '06 breakthrough run with appearances ranging from singing the National Anthem at the NBA Finals to November's American Music Awards, where he achieved Breakthrough Artist honors.

"The Naked Brothers" - Nat and Alex Wolff, ages 13 and 10, respectively - debuted their Nickelodeon show in February and watched it become the highest-rated series debut on the channel in seven years. The Brothers also came out with a briskly-selling album and other merchandise. Season 2 premieres in late January.

Although the whole cast of "High School Musical" made our breakout list last year, you can't argue that they've broken into new heights this year, with the sequel to their hit telepic garnering huge audience numbers, awards, and merchandising success. Vanessa Hudgens won the Teen Choice Breakout Star this year. She's also now the choice of internet users around the world thanks to those naughty nude Christmas pictures, complete with Santa hat, that evidently were shot as a gift for her ex boyfriend, Drake Bell, but wound up online for all the world to see. She apologized, but it's a pity. Who knows what she'll inspire.

Also under the heading of stars breaking through to new heights in quantum leaps is 15-year-old It Girl Miley Cyrus. Yes, we knew the "Hannah Montana" leading young lady last year, but this year, her popularity shot beyond the tween market. Her "Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus" double album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and OMG! There were reports of her Best of Both Worlds concert tix being scalped at a grand!

The Jonas Bros. - pals and tour mates of Miley's, of course, especially her beau, fellow 15-year-old talent Nick Jonas -- continued to break out Their own Disney Channel series debuts in Summer 'O8, by which time "they'll be big stars" according to an executive over at the Mouse House.

Maybe next year, they'll top the list.