The best actresses working today are British. Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, etc. They give a level of intelligence and versatility to their characters that American actresses just don't. Crazy as it may seem, I think that Keira Knightley will have reached that level in the next two or three years. Here are some of the films she will be starring in:

1) Last Night- Not showy, but it is contemporary and sounds to me kind of like Closer. Could actually be a surprisingly good film with real drama.

2) London Boulevard- She plays a burnout actress who has a drug problem. Script by William Monahan. One of those earthy, de-glammed roles that actresses do to show their skills? Maybe.

3) The Beautiful and the Damned- Zelda Fitzgerald? If she can play Zelda she can play anyone. That has got to be a stretch and could be an award-winner.

4) Never Let You Go- Cloning thriller. Probably the least baity of all the roles, but the film sounds kind of alternative. Could be one of those Naomi Watts-horror roles.

5) My Fair Lady- In all fairness, this movie shouldn't be made. However, Keira can sing and could actually do a good job. Actresses who can sing and dance usually get to use their skills.

Also, take consideration of her previous roles: Atonement and Pride and Prejudice were both great. I really hope she works with Joe Wright again. I also think she was great in the Duchess. However, to know what she can do you should see The Jacket. It was a bad movie, but she had to do an American accent. She pulled it off. She's no Winslet, but she could get there.

But wasnt Winslet already a 'Winslet' at Knightley's current age

Care Blanchett is Aussie. You could probably make the same arguement for the Australia pedigree. Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger ( rip ) Eric Bana, Judy Davis, Rachel Griffiths, Miranda Otto, Guy Pearce, Geoffrey Rush, Hugo Weaving.