by Babajide Fadoju
Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña has officially claimed the title of the highest-grossing actor in film history, with her movies raking in a combined $15.47 billion worldwide, according to tracking from The Numbers.
The milestone came thanks to the strong performance of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in James Cameron’s Pandora saga, which has grossed $1.23 billion globally since its December 19, 2025 release. The film continues to top charts in its fourth weekend, adding millions more as it holds strong into January 2026.
In an Instagram video shared on Tuesday, Saldaña expressed her deep gratitude. She credited the massive franchises she’s been part of, along with the directors who trusted her, including J.J. Abrams (Star Trek), Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), and especially James Cameron.
She gave special thanks to 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 also shouted out her fans: “Your unwavering support, passion and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone. 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!”
Her top earners include three of the all-time biggest films: Avatar (2009, $2.9 billion), Avengers: Endgame (2019, $2.8 billion), and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022, $2.3 billion). Add in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Star Trek films, and now Avatar: Fire and Ash, and it’s clear why she’s at the top — surpassing Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson.
Last year, Saldaña spoke about the long gaps between Avatar films, calling the process special and humbling: “Something so special takes time… I get to feel very honored that I am a part of something that stands the test of time.”
With two more Avatar sequels on the way (slated for 2029 and 2031), Saldaña’s record could grow even bigger. Congratulations to her on this incredible achievement!