Zoe Saldana Hits $15.47 Billion: World’s Highest-Grossing Film Star

By Zoe Papadakis    |   Wednesday, 14 January 2026 01:04 PM EST

Zoe Saldana has become the highest-grossing actor in film history after her films generated a combined box office of $15.47 billion, according to industry tracking data. The milestone follows the global release of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which earned $1.23 billion worldwide.

The achievement places Saldana ahead of previous top earners, including Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson. Her record is built on her roles in three of the highest-grossing films ever released: 2009’s “Avatar,” 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” and 2022’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

The original “Avatar” ranks first on the global chart, with “Endgame” and “The Way of Water” holding second and third positions. Saldana is also the first actor to appear in four films each earning over $2 billion worldwide, a group that includes 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Beyond the “Avatar” franchise, Saldana has been a central figure in multiple major franchises. She portrayed Gamora across several Marvel films and Nyota Uhura in the rebooted “Star Trek” trilogy, which collectively generated more than $1 billion at the global box office.

Saldana celebrated the milestone with a social media video expressing gratitude to filmmakers and collaborators for her career-defining roles. In the message, she highlighted directors J.J. Abrams, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, James Gunn, and James Cameron, noting his role in believing in her potential and challenging her artistic growth.

The achievement coincides with Saldana’s recent recognition as the first Dominican American to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Emilia Pérez,” which earned acclaim at Cannes and major award ceremonies including the Oscars, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.

Saldana is set to return for “Avatar 4” in December 2029 and “Avatar 5” in December 2031.