Sam Rockwell (center) stars with George Clooney (left) and Michael Jeter in Welcome to Collinwood. | ZOOM |

        The right movie at the right time can do wonders for an actor's career. And if that movie shows up in the right place with the right audience, the effect can be immense.

        With hundreds of journalists and thousands of industry insiders — not to mention thousands of fans — in attendance, there is no better talent showcase than the Toronto International Film Festival, held earlier this month.

        After the frenzy of the 10-day movie binge subsides, memorable performances keep bubbling to the surface and generating buzz.

        Here is a sampling of actors whose latest performances were the talk of Toronto, and who stand to reap professional rewards from their festival exposure. (Release dates noted are subject to change.)

        Jake Gyllenhaal, Moonlight Mile (directed by Brad Silberling). Already respected for his work in such films as October Sky and Donnie Darko (and forgiven for the regrettable Bubble Boy), he showed in this drama due in theaters Friday that he can handle a star's portion of subtle, complex work with poise beyond his years.

M. Gyllenhaal

        Maggie Gyllenhaal, Secretary (directed by Steven Shainberg). Jake's kid sister made an even bigger impression by gambling on difficult material — the topic is a sado-masochistic relationship — and winning audiences over with her personality and confidence. (Release date TBA.)

        Gael Garcma Bernal, El Crimen del Padre Amaro (The Crime of Father Amaro), (directed by Carlos Carrera). This young Mexican actor struck a chord with northern audiences in Y Tu Mama Tambien and Amores Perros. In this modern adaptation of an 1875 novel, he had festival audiences buzzing about his portrayal of a young priest who discovers his pastor has a mistress. (Release date TBA.)

        Derek Luke, Antwone Fisher (directed by Denzel Washington). His director and co-star can outshine anyone on screen, but this newcomer holds his own in the title role of a troubled young Navy recruit struggling to overcome a harsh childhood. (Dec. 20)

Nagra

        Parminder K. Nagra, Bend it Like Beckham (directed by Gurinder Chadha). Among many Anglo-Indian entries, festival-goers favored this energetic tale of a girl who defies her traditional immigrant family to embrace soccer — and the vibrant Ms. Nagra was much of the reason why. (Release date TBA)

        Agnes Bruckner, Blue Car (directed by Karen Moncrieff). A teenager just making the jump from small TV parts to movies, Ms. Bruckner won raves when her performance as a young poet who develops a complex relationship with her English teacher was unveiled at Sundance in January; Toronto audiences were similarly impressed. (Release date TBA)

Taylor

        Noah Taylor, Max (directed by Menno Meyjes). An Australian who has been playing supporting roles for 15 years, including impressive work in Shine and Almost Famous, Mr. Taylor shows he can carry a co-starring role as one of history's most riveting characters — a young Adolf Hitler. (Release date TBA)

        America Ferrera, Real Women Have Curves (directed by Patricia Cardoso). Another carry-over from Sundance, this comical, warm-hearted coming-of-age tale about “life, love and body size” was tagged by some as the next My Big Fat Greek Wedding, thanks to its appealing leading lady. (Release date TBA)

Bledel

        Alexis Bledel, Tuck Everlasting (directed by Jay Russell). A critical and audience favorite on TV in The Gilmore Girls, she makes a graceful transition to the big screen in a magical fantasy that highlights her old-fashioned charm. (Oct. 11)

        Sam Rockwell, Welcome to Collinwood (directed by Joe and Anthony Russo). Another hard-working journeyman who has been building a reputation for solid performances in small roles (Galaxy Quest, Green Mile), he was by consensus the best part of this Cleveland-based crime comedy. (Release date TBA)

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