Witherspoon 'best-paid' actress

Witherspoon won an Oscar for the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line

Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon is now the US film industry's highest-paid actress, according to Hollywood Reporter magazine.

The Walk the Line actress topped its annual list for commanding $15m-$20m (£7m-£10m) per movie.

Angelina Jolie came second, despite usually making similar amounts, after earning only $8m (£4m) for Beowulf.

Cameron Diaz was third, averaging $15m (£7m). Nicole Kidman was fourth with an asking price of $10m-$15m (£5m-£7m).

Renee Zellweger, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts also earn $10m- $15m (£5m-£7m) per film.

Rounding up the top 10 are Drew Barrymore and Jodie Foster, who demand $10m-$12m (£5-£6m) per movie, while Halle Berry earns $10m (£5m).

"Traditionally, the top male actors - like Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise - make around $30m (£15m) per film, with a piece of the film's profits," Hollywood Reporter's Michelle Grabicki told the Associated Press news agency.

"Men traditionally command a higher salary than the women. It's a newer trend, women getting a percentage of the back end."

Cameron Diaz made around $30m (£15m) for Shrek 3 because she was paid a percentage of the film's profits, added Ms Grabicki.