In honour of Heath, my favourite leading ladies

Before I launch into my list of favourite movie stars, perhaps a moment of reflection on the fact that maybe being a movie star is lonelier than being a normal person. Maybe there’s less space to fail, less space to look weak, more tendency to bottle things up until there seems to be no possible way out.

What do you think?

At the same time, kudos to those movie stars who have managed to do beautiful work that changes lives. Here are a few of my favourite women:

Samantha Morton. I think she’s just impossibly cool. Beautiful in an unusual way, and such a powerful actress. She destroyed me in In America and she was superb in Elizabeth. I think we could be buddies.

Cate Blanchett. Beautiful at times, plain at others, she seems so down to earth and human. I love the movie choices she’s made, and I think she acts them with integrity.

Kate Winslet. I love that she looks like a real woman (not a stick insect) and that she’s not afraid to play crazy. She also seems to put her whole heart into every role.

Judi Dench. What a legend! I hope to be half as cool as her when I’m an old lady. She commands such respect, no matter what role she’s playing (yip, even when she’s playing a creepy old lady).

Natalie Portman. I just want to be her friend! She’s so quirky and funny, and I admire the fact that she’s managed to outgrow being a child star successfully.

Yip, that’s my top five. Feel free to contribute others (menfolk, I’m sure there are some hotties out there that I’ve left out!). And instead of the usual bellyaching about how good they’ve got it, I’d like to send out a little gratitude to movie stars for providing hours of entertainment and escape …