Scarlett Johansson is no longer the highest-grossing actor of all time. Zoe Saldaña is.
According to industry publication The Numbers, Saldaña has overtaken her Marvel co-star Johansson with $16.8 billion in worldwide ticket sales as of Jan. 12.
The latest installment in James Cameron’s franchise, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” pushed Saldaña to the top spot after it crossed $1.23 billion at the global box office on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old actor holds a unique distinction as the only performer to appear in the three highest-grossing films ever made: “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Saldaña is also the only actor to star in four separate films that have each surpassed the $2 billion mark. That list includes the three aforementioned as well as 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” which grossed $2.05 billion.
Saldaña’s portrayal of Neytiri in the “Avatar” series alone contributes $6 billion to her total box office earnings.
Johansson now ranks second with $16.4 billion in career box office revenue. She had claimed the top spot last summer following the release of “Jurassic World Rebirth,” moving up from third place. Her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has accounted for much of her commercial success.
Scarlett Johansson at the “Avengers Endgame” photocall at Corinthia London on April 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)Dave Benett/WireImage
Rounding out the top five highest-grossing actors are Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Pratt, all of whom are known for their work in Marvel films.
Beyond Saldaña’s box office dominance, she has also received much acclaim for her performances. Last year, she earned her first Academy Award for her supporting role in the musical “Emilia Pérez.” Her victory was a historic milestone, marking the first time an actor of Dominican descent has won an Oscar.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands,” Saldaña said through tears during her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress. “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
