And this year, Reese Witherspoon is the deserving frontrunner in the race for the Best Actress Oscar.

Critics have been raving over Reese's work as June Carter Cash in the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk The Line, and the actress picked up the Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy award at the Golden Globes in January.

Things have come full circle for this 29-year-old actress, and here's a look at five of her finest performances.

Text: Raja Sen
Photograph: Getty Images
Design: Reuben NV