Australia may not be very close to South or Central America, but the cultural influences are certainly showing through in today's hit movies and tv shows. But who are these Latin lovelies that we see on our televisions and theatres?

We know them by face, but it is time that we get to learn about who they are off the screen and what it took for them pursue their love of acting. Here we have the top 5 up and coming Latina Actresses that are showcasing their acting ability and determination to break through racial barriers in Hollywood and around the world.

Catalina Sandino Moreno

Catalina Sandino Moreno may not be a household name yet, but she is truly making strides in the Latin acting community. Orignally from Columbia, Moreno moved to New York in 2004 after studying advertising at a University in Bogotá to pursue her interest in acting.

Catalina's first break through role in the movie Maria Full of Grace got her an Academy Award nomination, thus solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with by making her the 2nd South American and 3rd Hispanic actress ever nominated for an Academy Award. Since then she has continued to work in compelling films such as Paris, Je T'aime, Love in the Time of Cholera and Che Part 1 and 2. Moreno was most recently seen in the Twilight Saga: Eclipse as Maria.

Sofia Vergara

You might know Sofia Vergara, a Columbian beauty, from her current role in the Emmy winning comedy Modern Family, where she plays the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett. Through the international fame of Modern Family, Sofia Vergara is increasingly becoming a household name, but she has been acting since the late nineties/early two thousands.

Born in Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia Gloria was destined to be a dental hygienest until she was discovered by a photographer who found her while he was walking on the beach. After doing come modeling, commercials and soap operas, Vergara left Columbia with her sister, mother and son for Miami where she further pursued acting.

America Ferrera

Most famously known for her roles in Ugly Betty and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this Hondureña, LA native began acting at the age of 7 through school and community plays. Named one of the top actresses in the 2007 issue of Time 100: The Most Influential People In The World, America Ferrera has not only made strides as an actress but also known as an activist in equality and female empowerment movements.

Alexis Bledel

Her fair skinned complextion often decieves people, but Alexis Bledel is half Mexican and half Argentinian. Born in Houston, Texas, USA Bledel began modeling after being scouted in a local mall and later began pursuing acting.

Alexis' interst in acting later caused her to move to New York after high school. Most widely known for her witty role in the Gilmore Girl series, Bledel has also been in several other famous movies such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Post Grad and Sin City.

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana has had a big year in Hollywood with her roles in Avatar, Star Trek and The Skeptic. Saldana was born in New Jersey to Dominican and Puerto Rico parents, but later moved to the Domican Republic at the age of 10 with her family. Her pursuits in dance and acting while in the Dominican Republic drew her back to the north eastern United States where she began performing in a theater troupe in Queens, New York. Saldana had her breakthrough role in the 2000 dance hit Centre Stage where she played the role of Eva.

These actresses are proving their longevity in Hollywood through their ability to take on different roles. While their versatility is what maintain their career, it is their determination to pursue more headlining roles in a predominantly white acting community that make them truly an inspiration. So, heads up for you are sure to see more from these talented Latin beauties!