In a landmark achievement that underscores her unparalleled presence in blockbuster cinema, Zoe Saldaña has officially become the highest-grossing actor in film history. As of mid-January 2026, her films have amassed a staggering $15.47 billion in worldwide box office earnings, according to data tracked by The Numbers. This record-breaking total, propelled by the ongoing success of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash (the third installment in the Avatar saga, released December 2025), catapults her past previous leaders Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, cementing her status as the undisputed queen of global ticket sales.
The surge comes courtesy of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has grossed $1.23 billion worldwide (and climbing) since its debut, adding crucial billions to Saldaña’s career tally. The film, featuring her reprisal as the fierce Na’vi warrior Neytiri, has maintained strong momentum in theaters, holding the domestic No. 1 spot for multiple weekends and crossing the $1 billion global threshold in early January 2026. While trailing the franchise’s earlier entries—2009’s Avatar ($2.92 billion) and 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.32 billion)—Fire and Ash has delivered enough to push Saldaña over the edge.
What makes this feat extraordinary is the depth of Saldaña’s portfolio. She is the only actor to appear in the three highest-grossing films of all time: Avatar (No. 1), Avengers: Endgame (No. 2 at $2.8 billion), and Avatar: The Way of Water (No. 3). She also holds the distinction of being the first actress to star in four movies exceeding $2 billion globally, including 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War ($2.05 billion). Her Marvel tenure as Gamora spans the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and key Avengers crossovers, while her role as Nyota Uhura in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot trilogy contributed over $1 billion more. These franchises—spanning sci-fi epics, superhero spectacles, and space operas—have consistently drawn massive audiences, showcasing Saldaña’s versatility across motion-capture performances, voice work, and live-action roles.
Fresh off this box office triumph, Saldaña’s career reached new artistic heights in 2025 with her Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the Netflix musical drama earned her widespread acclaim for portraying Rita, a sharp, conflicted lawyer entangled in a dangerous world. The victory marked a historic first: Saldaña became the inaugural Dominican-American to claim an Oscar. Her awards-season sweep—including Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice honors—highlighted her dramatic range, proving that her commercial dominance is matched by critical respect. In acceptance speeches, she expressed deep gratitude, often joking about the “Academy Award winner” prefix now attached to her name, while crediting collaborators like James Cameron for seeing her potential and challenging her to excel.
Saldaña’s ascent reflects strategic choices in high-stakes franchises. From the groundbreaking motion-capture demands of Pandora to the ensemble dynamics of the MCU, she has delivered memorable performances that resonate with global audiences. Her Neytiri remains a cultural touchstone—fierce, maternal, and deeply emotional—while Gamora brought nuance to a complex anti-hero. These roles, combined with her Star Trek contributions, have not only generated enormous revenue but also expanded representation in blockbuster storytelling.
Looking ahead, Saldaña’s record appears poised for further growth. Avatar 4 (slated for December 2029) and Avatar 5 (planned for 2031) will likely add billions more, potentially solidifying her lead for years. Additional projects, including voice work in Pixar’s Elio and rumored upcoming films, continue to build her legacy. In a heartfelt social media reflection following the milestone, Saldaña thanked directors like Cameron, the Russo brothers, and James Gunn for believing in her, while expressing profound appreciation for fans worldwide.
From Pandora’s bioluminescent forests to the battlefields of Wakanda and the bridges of the Enterprise, Zoe Saldaña has built an empire at the box office. Her journey from supporting player to the highest-grossing actor ever is a testament to talent, timing, and the enduring appeal of epic storytelling. With more chapters in the Avatar saga on the horizon, this record may stand unchallenged for a generation—proving that true stardom transcends screens and realms.
