Who is the highest-paid actress of all time?

Zoe Saldana Tops as Highest-Grossing Actress in Film History

In a remarkable milestone for Hollywood, Zoe Saldana has officially become the highest-grossing actress of all time, surpassing Scarlett Johansson with her films collectively earning over $15 billion at the global box office as of January 2026. This achievement marks a defining moment in cinematic history, one built on Saldana’s consistent presence in some of the most successful franchises ever made.

Her rise to the top has been powered by iconic roles across blockbuster universes. As Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar series, she helped propel the films to record-breaking heights—each installment becoming a cultural and commercial phenomenon. She also played Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and appeared in multiple Avengers installments, making her a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These roles, combined with her performance in Star Trek and other major films, have solidified her box office legacy.

What makes Saldana’s accomplishment stand out is not just the sheer scale of earnings, but her quiet, powerful presence across genres. While often behind motion-capture and makeup, her emotional performances have brought depth and humanity to characters that define modern sci-fi storytelling.

Surpassing Scarlett Johansson, who held the title for years thanks to her role as Black Widow, Saldana’s achievement reflects the growing influence of diverse voices in leading film franchises. It’s a milestone that speaks not only to commercial success but also to the shifting landscape of Hollywood, where representation and global appeal are increasingly shaping stardom.

As the Avatar sequels continue to roll out, Saldana’s box office reign is likely to extend even further—cementing her place not just in the record books, but in the future of cinema itself.