Oct 6, 2009, 12:01 GMT
Naomi Watts is the world's most profitable actress.
US actress Naomi Watts The 41-year-old beauty - who has also starred in 'The Ring', 'King Kong' and 'Eastern Promises' - helped the box office rake in an estimated $44 for every $1 she was paid for her last three major films.EPA/JAVIER ETXEZARRETA
The 'International' star has topped Forbes.com's latest Best Actresses for the Buck list after proving movie bosses can make the most money from her.
The 41-year-old beauty - who has also starred in 'The Ring', 'King Kong' and 'Eastern Promises' - helped the box office rake in an estimated $44 for every $1 she was paid for her last three major films.
The list's top spots are notably filled by many actresses willing to accept a lower salary than A-list stars like Angelina Jolie - who was named Hollywood's highest-earning actress by Forbes earlier this year.
'Blood Diamond' actress Jennifer Connelly, 38 - who previously won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe for her role in 2001's 'A Beautiful Mind' - took second place making an average $41 per dollar she was paid.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old beauty Rachel McAdams finished third by turning low-budget films like 'Red Eye' and 'The Notebook' into significant hits.
For every dollar she is paid, the 30-year-old actress makes movie bosses an average $30.
Other stars featured on the list include Natalie Portman, who earned $28 per dollar, Meryl Streep at $27 and Jennifer Aniston at $26.
However, most actresses on the list didn't carry their films alone and were often joined by a host of famous co-stars.
Jennifer's appearance in 'He's Just Not That Into You' - where she starred alongside Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson - raked in $177 million at the box office, while Naomi was joined by British actor Clive Owen in 2008's 'The International'.
Forbes.com's Top Ten Best Actresses for the Buck:
1. Naomi Watts - made $44 for each $1 paid
2. Jennifer Connelly - made $41 for each $1 paid
3. Rachel McAdams - made $30 for each $1 paid
4. Natalie Portman - made $28 for each $1 paid
5. Meryl Streep - made $27 for each $1 paid
6. Jennifer Aniston - made $26 for each $1 paid
7. Halle Berry - made $23 for each $1 paid
= Cate Blanchett
= Anne Hathaway
= Hilary Swank
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