There is something wonderful and undeniable happening in the fashion and entertainment world right now: the casting of un-enhanced, real looking women.   (Okay, okay, size 4 is not exactly a real woman, I hear you!)

A decade ago, plastic surgery seemed as necessary as a killer resume and signature walk.   Now, casting agents are in hot pursuit of talent that bypassed Barbie conveyor belt.  For example, Fox Broadcasting has been casting young women from Australia and Europe to avoid the “sameness” that the LA standard of beauty has created. 

While most agents and directors admit that a little nip tuck will not likely end a career, extreme surgeries, especially on older ladies, can lead to casting doubts.   Faces that are dramatically altered not only make a character hard to identify with, but can be distracting. 

Breast implants in particular have become problematic.  Most agents, directors and costume designers prefer women with natural breasts, especially for period pieces (implants are not consistent with certain periods of time and can detract from the authenticity of a film).   It is rumored that a young Hollywood actress, renowned for her beauty, was not cast in a Batman movie because the director believed her breasts were fake.  While her implants didn’t affect that particular role, the director worried that her choice to enhance herself called into question her acting abilities and understanding of the craft. 

The recent casting of more life-sized models, naturally aging women and untouched celebrity photo spreads call attention to our own notions of beauty.  So, what do you think?  What is beauty in 2010?

Is this beauty?

Maybe this is beauty?

How about this?

Or this?