Hollywood's box office crown has changed hands, with Zoe Saldaña officially claiming the title of the highest-grossing movie star in cinematic history.
A New Box Office Queen is Crowned
According to data from the industry-tracking publication The Numbers, Saldaña's total global box office earnings have now reached a staggering $16.8 billion. This figure pushes her past the previous record-holder, Scarlett Johansson, whose career earnings stand at $16.4 billion. The milestone was confirmed on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
This monumental achievement is largely attributed to Saldaña's pivotal roles in two of the most successful film franchises ever created. The recent release of James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash, which itself garnered $1.23 billion globally, provided the final push needed to secure the top spot.
The Power of Blockbuster Franchises
Zoe Saldaña holds a unique distinction in film history: she is the only actor to have appeared in the three highest-grossing movies of all time. Her performances as Neytiri in Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, alongside her portrayal of Gamora in Avengers: Endgame, form an unbeatable trifecta of commercial success.
Her filmography demonstrates a remarkable ability to choose projects that resonate with global audiences, blending groundbreaking science-fiction with compelling character work. This strategic selection has cemented her status as a major box office draw.
Creative Success and Artistic Frustration
Despite her unparalleled commercial achievements, Saldaña has been candid in the past about the double-edged sword of franchise filmmaking. She has expressed creative frustrations regarding the sometimes diminished artistic input actors have in such large-scale, effects-driven productions.
This insight adds a layer of complexity to her record, highlighting the balance between monumental financial success and personal artistic fulfilment in modern Hollywood. It underscores that behind the staggering billions lies the craft of a performer navigating the demands of mega-budget cinema.
Saldaña's ascent marks a significant moment in film industry history, showcasing the evolving landscape where franchise pillars can define career legacies. Her journey from versatile actor to global box office phenomenon is a testament to the power of iconic roles in the 21st-century cinematic era.
