Jolie, Aniston named highest-paid actresses

Rex Features

Angelina Jolie has been named Hollywood's highest-paid actress in a new report from business publication Forbes.

The star took home $27 million (£16.5m) in the 12-month period between June 2008 and June 2009, thanks to her role in box office hit Wanted and upfront earnings for spy thriller Salt.

In second place is Jennifer Aniston, whose earnings from Marley & Me, Friends and as a spokesperson for SmartWater totalled $25 million (£15.3m).

Meryl Streep pocketed a reported $24 million (£14.7m) to take third place, while the success of the Sex And The City movie helped Sarah Jessica Parker make the list at number four.

Completing the top ten are Cameron Diaz ($20 million), Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon (both $15 million), Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore ($12 million) and Renée Zellweger ($10 million).

Last month's Forbes list of the biggest earning male stars was topped by Harrison Ford, with his $65 million (£43.3m) payday coming from a share of the Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull profits.