Zoe Saldaña recently achieved the extraordinary milestone of becoming the highest-grossing actor of all time, a testament to her prolific career and the immense success of her filmography. This remarkable accomplishment was propelled by the global box office triumph of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Saldaña took to social media to express her profound gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal roles played by the major franchises she's been a part of, the visionary directors who entrusted her with their characters, and her unwavering fan base. Her journey, marked by iconic roles in blockbusters like the 'Avatar' series, 'Avengers: Endgame', and the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Star Trek' sagas, highlights not just her talent but also her significant contribution to cinematic history. With a cumulative worldwide gross exceeding $15 billion, her career stands as a beacon of success and inspiration in the entertainment industry.
Zoe Saldaña Reaches Historic Box Office Milestone, Thanks Collaborators and Fans
In a significant cinematic achievement on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, acclaimed actress Zoe Saldaña officially ascended to the pinnacle of Hollywood, becoming the highest-grossing actor in history. This monumental feat was largely driven by the staggering box office performance of the latest installment in James Cameron's epic saga, 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', which has already garnered an impressive $1.23 billion globally. The film's success propelled Saldaña past previous record-holders like Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, cementing her legacy in the annals of film.
Saldaña’s illustrious career boasts starring roles in three of the highest-grossing films of all time: the original 2009 'Avatar', Marvel's 2019 behemoth 'Avengers: Endgame', and the 2022 visual spectacle 'Avatar: The Way of Water'. Beyond these blockbusters, her extensive filmography also includes the beloved 'Guardians of the Galaxy' trilogy and the acclaimed 'Star Trek' films. Collectively, her cinematic ventures have generated an astonishing $15.47 billion worldwide.
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Saldaña articulated her deep appreciation for this extraordinary journey. She extended special thanks to the visionary filmmakers who have guided her career, including J.J. Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, James Gunn, and particularly James Cameron. Saldaña lauded Cameron for his unwavering belief in her potential and his continuous challenge for her to excel, stating, "Your faith, your guidance and your vision, they shape not only these films, but me as an artist."
Concluding her message, Saldaña dedicated her success to her devoted fanbase, acknowledging their "unwavering support, passion and loyalty" as the true bedrock of this achievement. She emphasized that this milestone is a collective victory, expressing profound gratitude and humility, and voiced her hope that the next individual to break this record would also be a woman.
Reflecting on her involvement with the 'Avatar' franchise, Saldaña previously shared with The Hollywood Reporter her unique perspective on the lengthy production intervals between films, noting that "Something so special takes time." She expressed a sense of honor in being part of a project that withstands the test of time, finding humility in the uncontrollable nature of its creation, which, paradoxically, makes the experience even more cherished and profound.
Zoe Saldaña's journey to becoming the highest-grossing actor of all time is a powerful narrative of talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit. Her profound gratitude towards her directors and co-stars, especially James Cameron, underscores the importance of mentorship and belief in an artist's potential. More significantly, her acknowledgment of the fans' crucial role highlights the symbiotic relationship between creators and their audience in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, her hopeful wish for another woman to break this record serves as an inspiring message, championing gender equality and empowering aspiring female artists in a male-dominated field. This achievement transcends personal success, becoming a testament to the collective effort and a beacon for future generations of diverse talent.