Zoe Saldaña is celebrating her monumental achievement as the highest-grossing actor of all time, thanks to the box office success of Avatar: Fire and Ash. The Oscar winner took to her Instagram on Tuesday to express her heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped her reach this rare milestone.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time today," she said in a heartwarming video. "This achievement is entirely possible because of the incredible franchises and collaborators I've had the privilege of being a part of, and to every director who placed their trust in me."
According to The Numbers, Saldaña surpassed Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson following the release of the third installment in James Cameron's Avatar franchise in December, which has grossed $1.23 billion worldwide. She has also starred in three of the highest-grossing films of all time, including 2009's Avatar, 2019's Avengers: Endgame, and 2022's Avatar: The Way of Water.
However, her blockbuster success doesn't stop there. She has also appeared in three Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the Star Trek trilogy. In total, according to The Numbers, Saldaña's films have amassed a combined total of $15.47 billion.
In her video, the Emilia Pérez star also paid tribute to some of the filmmakers who have supported her throughout her career, including J.J. Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, James Gunn, and Cameron. She specifically thanked Cameron for "believing in my potential and seeing something in me that I have not always seen in myself, and for challenging me to always rise to the occasion." She added, "Your faith, guidance, and vision have not only shaped these films but have also shaped me as an artist."
Saldaña concluded her message by expressing her appreciation for all her fans. "Your unwavering support, passion, and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone," she said. "None of this exists without you showing up time and time again with open hearts and enthusiasm. This accomplishment belongs to all of us, and I am deeply grateful and profoundly humbled. And may the next record breaker be another woman!"
