Julia Roberts is highest-paid actress

Julia Roberts tops The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of the highest-paid actresses for the second straight year - bringing in $20 million per film - despite taking time off for motherhood.

Australian Nicole Kidman came in second place, with a $16 million to $17 million per-film price tag, followed by "Walk the Line" star Reese Witherspoon and actress-producer Drew Barrymore, who each command $15 million per project.

Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz each have a $10 million to $15 million asking price.

Jodie Foster ($10 million to $12 million), South Africa native Charlize Theron ($10 million) and Jennifer Aniston ($9 million) round out the list.

"These are bankable women," said Bob Dowling, editor and publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, which has compiled the highest-paid actresses list for four years. "They represent something quite positive and they're being paid for it."

Even actresses who dropped off this year's list - including Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez - earn salaries comparable to male actors, Dowling said.

"The biggest surprise is Julia Roberts" retaining the top spot, he said. Roberts took time off after giving birth to twins Hazel and Phinnaeus last year.

The actresses' salary list was released Wednesday on The Hollywood Reporter Web site and will appear in its Women in Entertainment Power 100 issue on Dec. 6, the AP reports.

V.Y.