Yet in the old days (such as 2007), the middle of July would have been far too early to start thinking about the Oscars. Back then, Hollywood loaded up its prestige fare in the fall so that it would stays fresh in the minds of Academy voters.

Last year, however, that all changed with four of the ten Best Picture nominees – include Hurt Locker – released in mid-summer.

Consequently, TPH decided to take a journey down the good, bad, and downright awful in the first half of 2010.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo is killing it. First, he did wonders with Shutter Island, another SCORE with Martin Scorsese followed by the recent release of Inception. The trailers may leave you more confused than philosophy from Flavor Flav, but you’ll have to admit that Inception looks incredibly cool. It’s the engaging storyline mixed with the special effects. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that Christopher Nolan is directing this piece either.

Toy Story 3

I’m 23 yet I enjoyed the third version of this fantastic series as much as I enjoyed the original some ten to fifteen years ago. How is it that Pixar can make movies that both kids and adults will enjoy? They did marvels with Toy Story 3 and might be the only studio in Hollywood that routinely produces hits consistently now.

Valentine’s Day

The only love this disaster showcased is the affection you have for deeply regretting you just spent $20 with your date (or your hand in other cases) to attend this dreadful piece of cinema. How can one mess up with a cast that included Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Kathy Bates, Jessica Alba, and Patrick Dempsy? Trust us, it happened.

Sex and the Pity

Could somebody please make it all end? Haven’t we all seen enough of Sarah Jessica Parker. Apparently not. Just ask the thousands who flocked to see the women do Abu Dhabi, as if they haven’t slept with everyone including half of all Hollywood Executives by now. Please stop killing my brain cells! You’re truly worst than video games.

Oh, Jen

Seriously, has Jennifer Aniston been a part of anything worth watching since her role as Rachel in Friends ended in 2004? Jennifer has already provided us with one miserable film in 2010 (The Bounty Hunter) and sadly I don’t think that will be the last of her. Equally bad was fellow Jen Lopez in The Back-Up Plan more adequately titled, “The Absolutely Last Movie You Should Ever See.”

Is it possible…more good than bad for Hollywood in the first half of 2010? As far as the mainstream goes, it certainly appears to be heading in that direction.

10. Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher plays the sexy Susan Mayer on  “Desperate Housewives” and gives some men their only excuse for watching the show. …At least we hope that’s the only excuse you make up.

9. Suzy Kolber

Say what you want about sideline reporters, but Suzy Kolber does it about as well as any woman does and she’s not sore on the eyes.  In fact, after spending 3+ hours watching men tackle each other in tight pants, it’s sometimes needed for a change of pace.  Enter: Suzy Kolber.

8. Sarah Palin

Once again, say what you want about outspoken political figures like Sarah Palin, but at least admit the girl still holds it down for 40+.  Even if you can’t come to terms with that, at least admit she’s better looking than Hilary Rodham Clinton.

7. Vanessa Williams

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 26 years since she won the Miss America pageant (only to be later famously stripped of her title – Carrie Prejean any one?).  Since then, Williams has shown to be a survivor, becoming a multitalented star. She’s grown from a pop music diva in the 90s  to an Emmy-nominated actress in the series “Ugly Betty,”

6. Famke Janssen

Famke is European and has a very strange name, but that doesn’t prevent her from making our top 10 list.  She’s 44, but could easily pass for early-30′s. Dang Europeans beat us again.

5. Diane Lane

Good genetics have not been unfaithful to Diane Lane even if she is.  It’s impossible not to obsess over Diane Lane’s character in 2002’s “Unfaithful,” and to this day she’s still smokin’ hot.

4. Sheryl Crow

In 2006, Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after beating it, she turned into an outspoken crusader against the disease, focusing her energies on fundraising.  Charity to the side, Crow is a very talented singer and one of the sexiest woman over 40.

3. Salma Hayek

Hayek has it all. The sly smile, she’s driven and tough, yet doesn’t take herself too seriously.  She’s so irresistibly gorgeous that 22-year-old Megan Fox, the current flavor of the month and bombshell star of “Transformers,” quipped recently on TV that she’s so insecure that she would much rather have Hayek’s body, especially the bust.

2. Halle Berry

Say what you want about Berry’s acting skills (she does have an Oscar), but it’s hard to find anyone who will argue with her selection on this list.  She’s now a mother, yet she still looks incredibly hot.

1. Jennifer Aniston

Yes, she is 40. She might be the best example of how 40 is the new 20.  Her former ex-Brad Pitt may have played Benjamin Button in the movies, but Aniston may have the last laugh as the actual Ben Button. Aging in reverse is something you cannot top, and our reason for her selection as the number one hottest babe over 40 in the world.

That wraps up our list of the Top Ten Sexiest Women over 40.  We hope you enjoyed it and please let us know if we omitted anyone from this top ten list that we shouldn’t have.