Ideal focal for portraits

[benoitc23]

Hi everyone,

I always thought that the best focal length for portraits was about 80-100mm, that it was the most flattering for your subjects.
That over 100mm, everything was too compressed in the photo and it lost it's impact.
Too wide, your subject looked distorted.

Lately, i'm hearing that alot of pros use those long lenses (200-400mm) for portraits.
And that wide angle lens are increasingly used for portraits, and i've seen some really good pictures done between 24-36mm.

I don't know what's best to use anymore!
It's like, really, any focal is good as long as you use it well in it's limitations?!

What focal do you personaly prefer for portraits?
Anyone knows some tips for portraits in wide-angle that are not distorted?