Full Breakdown
Zoe Saldaña Becomes Highest-Grossing Actor, Surpassing Scarlett Johansson
1/20/2026, 3:59:40 AM
Core Event: Saldaña Takes the Title
Zoe Saldaña has officially surpassed Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing actor of all time, a title previously held by Johansson. This shift in ranking was largely attributed to the success of Saldaña's latest film, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, which has grossed over $1.23 billion globally, contributing to her total earnings of approximately $16.86 billion. In contrast, Johansson's films have earned around $16.44 billion.
Reactions from Colin Jost and Saldaña
During the January 17 episode of *Saturday Night Live*, Colin Jost, Johansson's husband, humorously addressed the news. He suggested that they could combine their box office totals to help Johansson reclaim her title. Jost remarked, “Okay, well let’s see what happens if you include the box office from Scarlett’s husband’s movies,” as he displayed a graphic showing the drop in Johansson's earnings from $15.4 billion to $15.1 billion. His light-hearted commentary highlighted the competitive nature of their careers while also celebrating Saldaña's achievement.
Saldaña expressed her gratitude in an Instagram video, stating, “I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today.” She credited her success to the franchises and collaborators she has worked with, including directors like James Cameron and James Gunn.
Saldaña's Acknowledgments
In her message, Saldaña thanked various directors who have influenced her career, emphasizing the importance of their support. She noted, “Your faith, your guidance, and your vision shape not only these films but me as an artist.” Saldaña also extended her appreciation to her fans, stating, “This accomplishment belongs to all of us, and I’m deeply grateful and profoundly humbled.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the achievement has been celebrated, some observers have pointed out the competitive nature of such rankings, suggesting that they may overshadow the collaborative efforts of the film industry. Critics argue that focusing on box office numbers can detract from the artistic contributions of actors and filmmakers alike.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a slight discrepancy in reported earnings, with some sources stating Saldaña's total at $16.85 billion while others cite $16.86 billion. Similarly, Johansson's earnings are reported variably, with figures ranging from $16.43 billion to $16.44 billion. These differences highlight the challenges in tracking box office performance accurately.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She said: "I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today.” — Zoe Saldaña
- “Okay, well let’s see what happens if you include the box office from Scarlett’s husband’s movies,” — Colin Jost
As the film industry continues to evolve, the competition for box office supremacy remains a topic of interest, with both Saldaña and Johansson contributing significantly to its landscape.
