8. Judy Garland - The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of those wondrous cinematic experiences that's just brimming with heart, intelligence and a sense of youthful adventure, and a lot of that is down to Judy Garland's iconic performance in the role of Dorothy. Despite being only 17 years old at the time and having to contend with well established stars like Jack Haley (Tin Man), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), and Bert Lahr (Lion), she held her own with a wonderful singing voice and enthusiastic, infectious charm. So much did she contribute to the film's success that the Academy did recognise her talents, giving her an Academy Juvenile Award, a somewhat patronising honour that suggests youngsters can't compete with their more established, older counterparts (an award they got rid of in the early 1960s). Garland did end up receiving two outright nominations later in her career, though never actually won a full-fledged Oscar.