In 2024, the entertainment industry’s top-earning actresses have not only commanded high salaries for their roles but have also expanded their incomes through strategic moves in production and endorsements.
These actresses have turned their acting careers into robust business ventures, securing significant paychecks for both on-screen performances and entrepreneurial pursuits.
From Margot Robbie’s standout role in Barbie to Reese Witherspoon’s investments in production, these actresses have capitalized on their influence and talent to achieve remarkable financial success.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s highest-paid actresses, detailing their 2024 earnings, notable projects, and how they built lasting wealth in Hollywood.
1. Margot Robbie
- 2024 Earnings: $59 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $80 million
- Top Project: Barbie
Margot Robbie has long been a powerhouse in Hollywood, delivering unforgettable performances across various genres. This year, her starring role in Barbie brought her an eye-watering $59 million, marking one of her most profitable roles. The success of Barbie isn’t just due to Robbie’s star power but also the creative team, including director Greta Gerwig, which brought new depth to a beloved character.
Robbie has diversified her career by both acting and producing, which adds to her wealth. Her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, has been instrumental in producing several hit films and TV series, like I, Tonya and Promising Young Woman, adding to her growing income streams.
2. Emma Stone
- 2024 Earnings: $40 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $45 million
Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone has continued her rise with another impressive year. Her work spans critically acclaimed films and high-profile roles in major studios. Known for her roles in La La Land and Cruella, Stone’s versatility is unmatched, allowing her to command a high salary per project. With a reported income of $40 million in 2024, her ventures continue to pay off handsomely.
3. Jennifer Lawrence
- 2024 Earnings: $35 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $160 million
Jennifer Lawrence’s journey from indie darling to blockbuster mainstay has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her captivating performances in The Hunger Games series and Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence has not only established a loyal fan base but has also positioned herself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Her income of $35 million this year reflects her continued draw at the box office, as well as her selective approach to projects, balancing high-profile movies with smaller, artistic films.
4. Scarlett Johansson
- 2024 Earnings: $32 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $165 million
Scarlett Johansson is no stranger to top-earning lists, having previously held the top spot. Known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson has also ventured into other film genres, showcasing her range as an actress.
While she’s not headlining any major Marvel movies this year, her consistent work in other projects and endorsement deals contribute to her $32 million earnings in 2024. Her overall net worth is enhanced by her involvement in various entrepreneurial ventures, including her production company.
5. Gal Gadot
- 2024 Earnings: $30 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $40 million
Gal Gadot has become an iconic name, thanks largely to her portrayal of Wonder Woman, a role that catapulted her to international fame. Her $30 million earnings this year stem from both film roles and brand endorsements.
Gadot’s influence extends beyond Hollywood as she continues to work with major brands like Revlon, which brings her significant income from endorsements. Her ability to secure diverse roles ensures she stays on Hollywood’s A-list, while her production company, Pilot Wave, adds another dimension to her professional life and wealth.
6. Reese Witherspoon
- 2024 Earnings: $28 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $440 million
Reese Witherspoon has become an undeniable force in both Hollywood and the world of business. After starring in countless hit films, Witherspoon took her career to new heights with her production company, Hello Sunshine. This company not only produces content featuring strong female characters but was also valued at nearly $900 million, with Witherspoon selling a majority stake for a sizable profit.
Her earnings of $28 million this year reflect her unique ability to balance acting with producing, making her one of Hollywood’s most influential players. With projects like The Morning Show still popular among audiences, her reign as an industry leader continues.
7. Angelina Jolie
- 2024 Earnings: $25 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $120 million
Angelina Jolie has been a Hollywood icon for decades, known for her beauty, talent, and humanitarian work. While she took a break from acting to focus on directing and her family, Jolie’s return to acting has been well-compensated, with her 2024 earnings reaching $25 million.
Jolie’s income also comes from endorsements and collaborations, along with her interest in directing and producing. Her philanthropic work is often in the spotlight, and she consistently advocates for global humanitarian causes, adding a unique dimension to her profile.
8. Margherita Buy
- 2024 Earnings: $20 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $50 million
Italian actress Margherita Buy may not be a household name in the United States, but she is an acclaimed actress in Europe, particularly in Italy. Her filmography is extensive, spanning decades, and she remains one of the most respected actresses in Italy.
Her 2024 income of $20 million is indicative of her sustained popularity and the enduring appeal of her work in European cinema. Buy’s contributions to the film industry continue to make her a formidable presence internationally.
9. Zendaya
- 2024 Earnings: $10 million
- Net Worth: Approximately $20 million
- Top Project: Challengers
Zendaya’s transition from Disney Channel star to Hollywood A-lister has been remarkable. With standout roles in films like Spider-Man and the critically acclaimed Euphoria, Zendaya’s influence has only grown. This year, she earned $10 million from her role in Challengers, showcasing her increasing demand and bankability.
As one of the youngest stars on this list, Zendaya’s endorsement deals with luxury brands add another layer to her earnings. Her approach to selecting roles reflects her ambition to build a long-lasting, varied career.
10. Sofia Vergara
- 2024 Earnings: $4 million per project
- Net Worth: Approximately $180 million
Sofia Vergara’s journey from Colombian model to one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses is inspirational. Known for her role as Gloria in Modern Family, Vergara has built a brand around her charisma and charm.
Her 2024 earnings, with $4 million per project, are bolstered by her work as a judge on America’s Got Talent and various endorsements. She has successfully leveraged her fame into a series of profitable partnerships and endorsements, proving her business savvy.
Common Threads Among These Actresses
These actresses’ financial success can be attributed to a combination of box office draw, endorsement deals, entrepreneurial ventures, and in some cases, production companies. Whether they are established stars like Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon or emerging icons like Zendaya, these actresses demonstrate the power of strategic career management, talent, and leveraging personal brands.
Many of these actresses have diversified into production, which not only provides an additional income stream but also gives them greater control over the projects they choose. With the rise of streaming platforms, actresses are exploring new avenues to showcase their work, and their savvy business decisions ensure they remain highly relevant in an ever-changing entertainment industry.
Each actress on this list has shown resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to her craft, positioning herself not just as a performer but as a powerful industry figure. Their earnings for 2024 underline their continued influence in Hollywood and worldwide, making them not only high-paid stars but enduring icons in modern cinema.