It seems that every year that I come to the Toronto International Film Festival, I walk away having seen at least one charming, moving, revelatory film. In 2007, it was “Juno.” In 2008, it was “Slumdog Millionaire.” And, about two-thirds of the way into my visit this year, it seems hard to imagine that it won’t be “An Education” (Sony Pictures Classics, 10/9).

Yes, I know it’s not breaking any news to say nice things about Lone Scherfig‘s film — and particularly the performance given by its leading lady, 24-year-old Carey Mulligan — since they’ve both been acquiring fans at various festivals since January (Sundance, Berlin, Sydney, Brisbane, and now here). But as the film — and the lady — arrived in North America, I was anxious to see for myself not only if the hype about the work was true (it is, although it would be nice if the third-act wasn’t quite as long and predictable), but also if the young woman from England was as impressive off-screen as on, since the nature of the awards season is that the person needs to be sold as much as the product. Moreover, previous-unknowns in their first starring role only sporadically garner best actress Oscar nominations, but wins? That’s incredibly rare — in fact, the only example that comes to mind is Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday” (1953).

Well, folks, we may have a new Audrey Hepburn on our hands. Mulligan is — precisely as Audrey was — 24-years-young, British, and beautiful in a gamine way that allows her to appear both childlike and ladylike and thereby come of age before the audience’s eyes. Guys will want her; girls will want to be her; and Oscar voters will be smitten. Frankly, I’d like to kick the crap out of Shia LaBeouf, her rumored boyfriend/co-star in the upcoming sequel to “Wall Street,” just for having the nerve to date her.

Of course, it’s not only her show. Dominic Cooper is very good in a supporting part and continues his march towards being a leading man. And those in very small roles, like sexy Olivia Williams as a schoolteacher and dependable Emma Thompson as a headmaster, are equally effective. And the co-lead, Peter Sarsgaard, is just so good at plazing charming, lizardy, weasely cads that we sometimes forget to notice.

In 1999, Sarsgaard starred opposite Hilary Swank in “Boys Don’t Cry” en route to her first Oscar; a decade later, it appears that he has done the same with Carey Mulligan.

Photo: Carey Mulligan in “An Education.” Courtesy: Sony Pictures Classics.