To get totally off the subject of pretentious talk about art in film and merits of the films of Bresson or Pasolini, I decided to appeal to the male sexist with this one.  Not necessarily asking who the finest actress is in terms of talent, which they may be one in the same, but purely in terms of looks.  
As far as today's leading actresses in the foreign world I would go with Audrey Tutou and Gong Li.  On the all time list though Catherine Deneuve and of course Bardot would be up there.  Let me know your thoughts.