Zoe Saldaña Shatters Box Office Records With Avatar Triumph
Zoe Saldaña has soared to the top of Hollywood’s box office charts, outpacing all other actors after the massive success of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Discover how she celebrated this milestone and who she credits for her journey.
Zoe Saldaña has reached a new pinnacle in her career, officially becoming the highest-grossing actor in history. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has raked in over $1.3 billion worldwide, pushing her total box office earnings to nearly $17 billion. Earlier this month, she surpassed her Avengers co-star Scarlett Johansson to claim the top spot.
In a heartfelt video message shared on her Instagram, Saldaña expressed deep appreciation for the directors who have shaped her journey through some of the biggest film franchises of all time.
"I just want to express my sincere gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today, an achievement made possible entirely by the incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate to be a part of,"
she said, reflecting on the path that brought her to this historic moment.
Saldaña’s Tribute to Visionary Directors
Saldaña took a moment to personally thank the filmmakers who entrusted her with iconic roles.
"To every director who placed their trust in me, thank you: JJ Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, James Gunn, and, most importantly, thank you James 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,"
she continued. Abrams cast her as Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek reboot, while Gunn and the Russo brothers directed her as Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy series and the Avengers blockbusters. Since 2009, she has portrayed Neytiri in three of James Cameron’s Avatar films.
Saldaña’s gratitude extended beyond the directors to the entire creative teams and casts she’s worked with, acknowledging the collaborative spirit that fueled these cinematic milestones.
Fans at the Heart of the Milestone
Saldaña made it clear that her record-breaking success wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of fans around the globe.
"Your faith, your guidance, and your vision, they shape not only these films but me as an artist. And to the fans around the world, thank you,"
she said, emphasizing the vital role audiences play in the film industry.
"Your unwavering support, passion, and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone. None of this exists without you showing up time and 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 recordbreaker be another woman!"
Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently playing in theaters, continuing to draw crowds and break records. For those eager to see what’s next, a lineup of highly anticipated movies is set to hit screens in 2026.