Zoe Saldaña achieved an unprecedented milestone by starring in the three highest-grossing films in history: Avatar (2009) and its second sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), which rank first and third, with Avengers: Endgame (2019) in second place between them. She is also the first actress ever to appear in four different films that each surpassed $2 billion in global box office revenue, including Avengers: Infinity War.
Beyond the Avatar franchise and her role as Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Saldaña also played Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek film trilogy, which collectively grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
As of 2024, the combined box office revenue of films she has appeared in was estimated at about $14 billion, placing her third behind her Marvel co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson. However, the runaway success of the third Avatar film, released in December and earning $1.23 billion to date, vaulted her into first place. According to data from The Numbers, her films have now generated approximately $15.47 billion worldwide. In a message shared on social media, Saldaña expressed gratitude to the collaborators and franchises that marked her career, crediting the filmmakers and creative partners who believed in her and helped shape her path.
She singled out Star Trek director J.J. Abrams, the Russo brothers of Avengers, James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy and especially Avatar director James Cameron, noting that his vision and guidance influenced not only those films but her artistic development. She also acknowledged fans, emphasizing that their long-standing support made the achievement possible and expressing hope that the next record holder would be another woman.
The year 2025 marked another high point in Saldaña’s career. In March, she won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role in Emilia Perez, becoming the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Oscar. The bold musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, also earned her several major honors, including the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, a SAG Award and a BAFTA Award.
Saldaña is set to appear in two additional Avatar sequels scheduled for release in 2029 and 2031, suggesting she is likely to remain at the top of the global box office rankings for years to come.