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For years now, the title of Hollywood’s highest grossing star has largely been dominated by superhero icons and legends Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Chris
Evans. However, the tables seem to have turned. The crown now belongs to an actress whose box office power has quietly, and decisively, been rewritten. Zoe Saldana has officially become the highest-grossing actor of all time, a milestone cemented by the release of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Zoe Saldana Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Star
As of January 13, Saldana has topped the list of the highest-grossing stars with a staggering $15.46 billion in global box office earnings from films where she essayed the lead roles. She edged out Scarlett Johansson ($15.40 billion) and also managed to leave behind industry heavyweights like Samuel L. Jackson ($14.61 billion), Tom Cruise($12.66 billion), and Dwayne Johnson ($11.46 billion). What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Saldana has accomplished this largely through franchise filmmaking—most notably under the visionary direction of James Cameron.
From Avatar to Avatar: The Way of Water and now Fire and Ash, Saldana’s portrayal of Neytiri has been central to one of cinema’s most lucrative and ambitious universes. Add to that her pivotal roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, and Star Trek, and her dominance at the global box office becomes undeniable.
Zoe Saldana’s Message Thanking James Cameron
Earlier today, Saldana took to social media to mark the historic moment, sharing a heartfelt video message thanking the people who helped shape her journey.
“I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today,” she said, grinning widely. “An achievement made possible entirely, entirely by the incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of, to every director who placed their trust in me.” She went on to acknowledge several filmmakers who played defining roles in her career, including Star Trek director JJ Abrams, Avengers filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, and Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. But her most emphatic gratitude was reserved for the man behind Avatar.
“Avatar’s” James Cameron, “for believing my potential for seeing something in me that I have not always seen in myself, and for challenging me to always rise to the occasion. Your faith, your guidance and your vision, they shape not only these films, but me as an artist.” Saldaña closed her message by turning the spotlight toward the audiences who made the milestone possible.
“Your unwavering support, passion and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone,” she said, adding, “None of this exists without you showing up time and time again with open hearts and enthusiasm. This accomplishment belongs to all of us, and I’m deeply grateful and profoundly humbled. And may the next record breaker be another woman!”
The list also featured Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth and Vin Diesel, among others.
