In the November issue of Elle, five of Hollywood's leading ladies talk about their favorite fashion designers, preferred roles in movies, and Hollywood stereotypes. Although the actresses are all across the map, play decidedly different characters, and lead separate lives, one thing they share in common is a departure from the mainstream Hollywood image. Each is a beautiful, strong woman, but in her own unique way. From big screen siren to paparazzi-magnet to under the radar star, here are some telling sound bites from Hollywood leading ladies Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana and Renee Zellweger.

Katie Holmes on fashion
"I love Alaia, for sure. Stella McCartney. I like Ralph Lauren because I feel like it's very American, and I'm pretty all-American, from Ohio. Isabel Marant and a new designer, Sari Gueron..."

Julianne Moore on types of characters she is drawn to
"I think my connection to acting has been through reading. I'm interested in scripts. People ask me, 'What role are you dying to play?' It's really: What story do I want to be in?"

Emily Blunt on adjusting to life in Hollywood since moving from the UK
"I feel the fear of the business creep under my skin in Los Angeles in a way that it doesn't in England. It's funny--I feel like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, unless you're in Hollywood! It's shameful how you have to look a certain way. Women are simply not allowed to grow old gracefully. That's why I love playing character parts, because I'm not pigeonholed into trying to remain young forever to play the ingénue or romantic lead."

Zoe Saldana on being known as a beautiful Hollywood actress
"It's sexy to know that guys find you attractive. It's empowering."

Renee Zellweger on whether a successful movie career requires sacrificing your personal life
"A friend of mine couldn't decide between moving to New York or staying in Los Angeles., and another friend said, 'Do everything!' I thought, That's it, do everything."

I don't know about you, but I come away feeling inspired by these ambitious, assertive women, and have so much respect for Emily Blunt, who I always loved but now feel I know better!

To see the rest of Elle's "Women In Hollywood" covers, visit Elle.com.

--Venus Tsang