Zoe Saldana beats Scarlett Johansson to become highest-grossing actor in box office history; top 10 list includes Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans

Zoe Saldana is now the highest-grossing actor

Following the blockbuster success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, Hollywood star Zoe Saldana has become the highest-grossing leading lady of all time at the worldwide box office, taking the top spot in the global rankings. According to Numbers, a box office tracking site that compiles worldwide data on the top 100 leading stars, Saldana ranks first with a global box office revenue of $15.46 billion from 33 films and an average gross of $469 million per film.

The record was held by Avatar (2009) with a revenue of US$2.92 billion, Avengers: Endgame (2019) with a revenue of US$2.71 billion, Avatar: Path of Water (2022) with a revenue of US$2.32 billion, Avengers: Infinity War (2018) with a revenue of US$2.04 billion, and Avatar: Fire and Ash with a revenue of US$2.04 billion. Powered by his appearances in some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, including (2025). 1.23 billion worldwide so far. Saldana has starred in three of the highest-grossing films of all time (the two Avatar films and Avengers: Endgame), becoming the first actress to star in four films that grossed over US$2 billion worldwide.

Scarlett Johansson ranked second on the list with $15.40 billion from 36 films, while Samuel L Jackson ranked third with $14.61 billion from over 70 films. Other stars in the top 10 include Robert Downey Jr., Chris Pratt, Tom Cruise, Chris Hemsworth, Vin Diesel, Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson. Last year, Johansson came out on top when Jurassic World Rebirth grossed US$869 million worldwide. The actor has also appeared in many Marvel movies.

Reacting to the milestone, Saldana posted a video message on social media on Tuesday evening, thanking filmmakers, collaborators and fans around the world for their support. Saldana, who won her first Oscar for her performance in the movie Emilia Perez in 2025, said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me today to become the highest-grossing movie actress of all time.”

Praising filmmakers like JJ Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, and James Gunn for trusting in him, he said, “This success has been made possible entirely by the incredible franchises and collaborators I’ve had the chance to be a part of, as well as every director who has put their trust in me.” He specifically thanked James Cameron “for believing in my potential to see something in myself that I didn’t always see, and for always pushing me to rise to the occasion.” “Your faith, guidance, and vision shape not only these films, but me as an artist,” he added.

Saldana told her fans that their unwavering support, passion and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone. “None of this can happen without you showing up again and again with candor and enthusiasm. This achievement belongs to all of us, and I am deeply grateful and deeply humbled. And let the next record-breaker be another woman,” she concluded.

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