Zoe Saldaña Becomes the Highest-Grossing Actor Ever After Avatar: Fire and Ash Success

Hollywood icon Zoe Saldaña has officially rewritten box office history, becoming the highest-grossing actor of all time worldwide. The milestone has been attributed to the continued commercial success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has further cemented her dominance at the global box office. Confirmed in early January 2026, the achievement marks a remarkable moment in the career of the 47-year-old actress and highlights the staggering cumulative earnings of her filmography.

Saldaña’s rise to the top of the global box office rankings comes as Avatar: Fire and Ash crossed an estimated worldwide gross of $1.23 billion. The film’s success significantly boosted her overall tally, pushing the combined earnings of her movies beyond $15.4 billion globally. With this feat, Saldaña has surpassed fellow Marvel star Scarlett Johansson, who briefly held the record following the strong box office performance of Jurassic World Rebirth in 2025.

Her record-breaking journey is rooted in roles across some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters ever made. Saldaña stars as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, including the 2009 original Avatar - still the highest-grossing film of all time - and its 2022 sequel Avatar: The Way of Water. Both films earned more than $2 billion worldwide. In addition, her portrayal of Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, as well as in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, played a crucial role in elevating her to the top of the all-time box office list.

In total, Saldaña has appeared in four films that have each grossed over $2 billion globally—a distinction unmatched by any other actor. Spanning multiple major franchises, these films underline her rare position in modern cinema as a cornerstone of blockbuster entertainment and a consistent draw for global audiences.

Beyond her box office domination, Saldaña has also enjoyed significant critical acclaim. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2025 for her performance in Emilia Pérez, affirming her versatility and depth as an actor. Her award season success included accolades from major awarding bodies such as the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, Critics Choice Awards and SAG Awards, which underscore both her commercial appeal and artistic talent.

While Avatar: Fire and Ash has been a key factor in her box office milestone, Saldaña’s filmography also includes other celebrated works outside of these blockbuster universes. She has voiced roles in animated features like Elio and appeared in culturally impactful television series.

Saldaña’s achievement resonates beyond mere numerical rankings; it signals a shift in how actors in supporting and ensemble blockbuster roles are valued for their contributions to cinema’s commercial engine. As studios continue investing in expansive franchises and interconnected universes, performers like Saldaña who can anchor both critical and commercial success are increasingly central to Hollywood’s global appeal.

With future installments already lined up, including Avatar 4 and Avatar 5, Zoe Saldaña’s reign as the highest-grossing actor at the worldwide box office appears set to continue. Her lead may yet expand further, potentially establishing a record that could stand for years in Hollywood history.