Zoe Saldaña Smashes Box Office Records with Avatar Triumph

Zoe Saldaña has set a new benchmark in the film industry, now holding the title of the highest-earning actor at the global box office. This achievement comes on the heels of the blockbuster success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which has raked in more than $1.3 billion so far, pushing her career total to nearly $17 billion. Earlier this month, she overtook her Avengers mate Scarlett Johansson, marking a significant moment in her career.

Over the weekend, Saldaña took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, reaching out to the directors who have played a pivotal role in her journey. In her video, she said,

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.

Paying Tribute to Directors and Collaborators

Saldaña made a point of thanking the filmmakers who have shaped her career, including JJ Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, James Gunn, and especially James Cameron. She credited Cameron for recognising her potential and pushing her to new heights, saying,

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.

Her roles have spanned some of the biggest franchises in recent memory. Abrams cast her as Nyota Uhura in his Star Trek films, while Gunn and the Russo brothers brought her on as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and the Avengers series. Since 2009, she’s portrayed Neytiri in three of Cameron’s Avatar instalments, each one a major box office draw.

Gratitude for Fans and a Nod to the Future

Saldaña didn’t forget to acknowledge the fans who have supported her throughout her career. She added,

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. 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 screening in cinemas, drawing crowds and continuing to climb the charts. For those keen to see what’s next, there’s already plenty of buzz around the upcoming slate of films set to hit screens in 2026.