In 1979, Derek was selected over Melanie Griffith, Heather Thomas, and several others for the role of Jenny Hanley in the romantic comedy film "10". Directed by Blake Edwards, the film starred Dudley Moore as a middle-aged man who finds Derek's character to be the ideal woman. Derek's appearance in a dream sequence, racing towards Moore in a flimsy flesh-colored swimsuit, launched her status as a mainstream sex symbol. This sequence and Derek's cornrow hairstyle in the film have often been parodied. "10" was a critical and financial success.