Top 10 highest paid actors in the world feature only one woman; check out the list

Indian Express

2 days ago

List of highest-paid film actors in the world: Star power remains the backbone of the global film industry. Whether it's a billion-dollar franchise or a streaming-exclusive blockbuster, the actors fronting these projects often define their success, not just on screen, but at the box office and in brand boardrooms. Today's top actors are not just performers, they are business moguls, global influencers, and marketing giants whose earnings stretch far beyond traditional paychecks thanks to backend deals, endorsement empires, and their ability to draw crowds worldwide.
From Hollywood heavyweights like Dwayne Johnson, whose Fast & Furious and Jumanji franchises have raked in billions, to India's very own Allu Arjun, who's reportedly commanding up to Rs 300 crore for the Pushpa phenomenon, star salaries are climbing to unprecedented heights. Even on a global scale, the dynamics are shifting: Scarlett Johansson has now become the highest-grossing Hollywood actor ever, overtaking Marvel co-stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr., following the massive success of Jurassic World Rebirth.
So, who's topping the charts when it comes to raw earnings in 2024? Here's a closer look at the top 10 highest paid actors in the world right now.
Source: Forbes
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Will Smith made a strong return with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which crossed $1 billion worldwide. The film alone earned him $26 million, pushing his annual total to $30 million. The Oscar winner also profits from brand partnerships with Adobe, Insta360, and others, along with his work as a producer and entrepreneur.
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Sandler continued his run with Netflix, starring in titles like Spaceman and prepping Happy Gilmore 2. He pulled in $35 million this year, thanks to both new content and enduring popularity of his classics. Sandler also appears in campaigns for Pepsi, Subway, and several gaming brands.
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The only woman on the list, Nicole Kidman tops all actresses with $41 million in gross earnings. She starred in hit series across Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount+, earning over $1 million per episode. She also headlined two romantic dramas – A Family Affair and Babygirl –and remains active as a producer and voice actor.
Clooney reportedly earned $31 million for Apple's Wolfs, though some sources claim his fee neared $35 million. Known for his selective approach, Clooney typically signs on to a few high-profile, big-budget productions where he can negotiate premium deals, solidifying his status as one of the industry's top-earning and most bankable stars.
Pitt earned a solid $42 million in 2024, driven largely by Wolfs and the highly anticipated F1 film, which released to massive fanfare in 2025. In addition to acting, Pitt's production company, Plan B, continued to back both commercial hits and award-season favourites, keeping him firmly in the industry spotlight. Off-screen, with lucrative endorsement deals from luxury and lifestyle giants like Chanel, Brioni, Heineken, and De'Longhi contributing significantly to his earnings.
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Jackman's return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine earned him a reported $50 million—his highest payday yet. This blockbuster reunion with Ryan Reynolds not only thrilled fans but also significantly boosted Jackman's position among the highest-paid actors globally. Beyond the screen, Jackman continues to diversify his portfolio: he's an established Broadway performer, a film producer, and a savvy businessman. His brand associations with Montblanc, R.M. Williams, and Micromax, alongside investments in stage musicals, reflect his wide-ranging creative and commercial pursuits that go far beyond traditional Hollywood stardom.
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Seinfeld brought in $70 million over the past year, thanks largely to the enduring success of Seinfeld reruns. Beyond television, he remains a sought-after stand-up comedian, regularly performing live. He also ventured into filmmaking with Unfrosted on Netflix, which he directed and starred in. At 70, Seinfeld's commercial appeal shows no signs of slowing down.
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Hart earned a staggering $108 million, placing him among the top-earning actors globally. Known for his dynamic presence as a comedian, TV producer, and voice actor, Hart headlined several major projects across streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Roku. Beyond acting, he remained active in the stand-up comedy circuit, hosted popular podcasts, and served as the face of major brand campaigns for companies such as DraftKings and Chase.
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Reynolds brought in an impressive $100 million from Deadpool & Wolverine, where he was actor, producer, and co-writer. His creative imprint extended beyond the screen through his marketing company, Maximum Effort, which played a key role in the film's marketing success and contributed to its billion-dollar box office run. Reynolds also remained highly visible thanks to his work on Hulu projects and the film IF, directed by John Krasinski. Off-screen, he's proven to be a sharp entrepreneur, holding stakes in high-profile ventures like Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and his own marketing agency, all of which have boosted both his financial standing and his brand power.
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Dwayne Johnson leads the pack as the highest-paid actor in the world in 2024, with earnings soaring to $103 million. A former professional wrestler and football player-turned global superstar, Johnson has built an empire that extends far beyond the screen. His massive payday includes a record-breaking $50 million deal for Red One, the highest known amount ever paid for a streaming film, along with lucrative backend earnings from Moana 2, which surpassed the $1 billion mark globally. With a staggering 393 million followers on Instagram, he's a marketing powerhouse, helping fuel partnerships with major brands like Under Armour (Project Rock), Ford, Apple, Voss Water, and ZOA Energy, an energy drink company he co-founded.