File photo of actress Naomi Watts arriving at
the 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood [Reuters]

The English-born Australian actress Naomi Watts has given birth to her first child, a boy, her publicist said on Thursday.

Watts, 38, and partner actor Liev Schreiber, welcomed Alexander Peter Schreiber on Wednesday, slightly ahead of schedule, said publicist Robin Baum.

"The parents are ecstatic, and both Mom and baby are doing great," Baum said.

Media reports said they were resting at a hospital near Watts' home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood.

"King Kong" star Watts and Schreiber, who appeared in all three "Scream" movies, have been dating for two years. They appeared together in the 2006 film "The Painted Veil."