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20 Highest Paid Actress of 2023: Who Takes the Crown?

As a die-hard fan of Hollywood‘s glitz and glamour, delving into the world of the 20 Highest Paid Actresses of 2023 is an exciting adventure. From powerful performances to engaging charisma, these leading ladies not only captivate us on screen but also control the industry’s financial landscape.

With each passing year, the suspense grows: who will win the coveted title of highest earner? As we look at their accomplishments, wages, and the influence of their work, we can see how gender equality and talent recognition are growing in Hollywood.

Join me as we explore the stories behind the numbers and recognize the incredible accomplishments of these great ladies who continue to change the cinematic landscape.

1. Sandra Bullock – $70 million

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Sandra Bullock, born July 26, 1964, is a renowned American actress and producer, recognized for her diverse roles spanning various genres. Rising to fame with “Speed” in 1994, she starred in hits like “Miss Congeniality,” “The Blind Side,” and “Gravity.” Bullock founded Fortis Films, producing and starring in films like “Miss Congeniality 2” and “All About Steve.”

Honoured with an Academy Award for Best Actress for “The Blind Side,” she’s also acclaimed for her philanthropy. Named Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2010 and People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman in 2015, Bullock remains an iconic figure in Hollywood.

2. Scarlett Johansson – $56 million

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Scarlett Johansson, born November 22, 1984, is an acclaimed American actress, recognized as the world’s highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019. With numerous appearances on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, she’s lauded as one of the most influential people by Time in 2021.

Johansson’s films have amassed over $14.3 billion worldwide, making her the highest-grossing box office star ever. From early roles in “The Horse Whisperer” to adult acclaim in “Lost in Translation,” she’s demonstrated versatility.

Notable for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she’s also acclaimed for roles in “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.” Beyond acting, Johansson is a brand endorser and philanthropist, married to comedian Colin Jost.

3. Sofia Vergara – $43 million

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Sofía Vergara, born July 10, 1972, is a Colombian-American actress and television personality renowned for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in “Modern Family.” This role earned her numerous award nominations and established her as one of America’s highest-paid actresses.

Vergara gained prominence hosting Univision shows before transitioning to English-language films like “Chasing Papi” and “Four Brothers.” She’s appeared in various comedies and dramas, expanding her repertoire.

Additionally, Vergara serves as a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” and is celebrated as a businesswoman, brand ambassador, and fashion designer. With her fragrance line and endorsements, she’s a notable figure in American advertising.

4. Reese Witherspoon – $35 million

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Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, born March 22, 1976, is an American actress and producer acclaimed for her diverse roles and entrepreneurial ventures. Rising to fame with “Legally Blonde” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” she won an Academy Award for “Walk the Line” portraying June Carter Cash.

Witherspoon revitalized her career with “Wild” and ventured into television, producing and starring in hits like “Big Little Lies” and “The Morning Show.” She’s also a successful entrepreneur, owning Reese’s Book Club and the clothing brand Draper James. Actively involved in advocacy, she supports children’s and women’s causes, showcasing her influence beyond the screen.

5. Angelina Jolie – $34 million

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Angelina Jolie, born June 4, 1975, is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian, known for her acclaimed performances and extensive philanthropic work.

Rising to fame with roles in “Girl, Interrupted” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” she won an Academy Award for the former. Jolie’s versatility extends to action films like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Salt,” as well as dramas such as “Changeling.”

Beyond acting, she’s directed impactful war dramas and advocated for numerous humanitarian causes, especially refugee rights. Honored for her activism, she’s recognized as one of the most influential figures in entertainment, while her personal life garners significant media attention.

6. Jennifer Lawrence – $32 million

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Jennifer Shrader Lawrence, born August 15, 1990, is an acclaimed American actress celebrated for her versatile performances in action franchises and independent dramas. Garnering over $6 billion in global box office revenue, Lawrence was the highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016.

Notable for her roles in “Winter’s Bone,” “The Hunger Games,” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” she’s won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Lawrence is also a passionate advocate for feminism and women’s rights, founding the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation and supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Active in political causes, she’s a vocal supporter of anti-corruption efforts and democracy protection.

7. Nicole Kidman – $31 million

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Nicole Mary Kidman AC, born June 20, 1967, is an esteemed American-Australian actress and producer acclaimed for her diverse roles in film and television. Renowned for her versatility, Kidman has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in “The Hours.” Notable for her performances in “Moulin Rouge!,” “The Others,” and “Lion,” she’s recognized as one of the world’s highest-paid actresses.

Additionally, Kidman has made significant contributions to television, earning accolades for her roles in “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing.” A dedicated humanitarian, she serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and UNIFEM.

Married to Keith Urban, Kidman also founded the production company Blossom Films, solidifying her impact on both the entertainment industry and philanthropy.

8. Charlize Theron – $31 million

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Charlize Theron, born August 7, 1975, is a distinguished South African-American actress and producer, renowned for her versatile performances in film. Rising to fame in the 1990s with roles in “The Devil’s Advocate” and “The Cider House Rules,” she garnered critical acclaim for portraying Aileen Wuornos in “Monster,” earning an Academy Award.

Theron’s diverse career includes successful action films like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Fate of the Furious,” as well as acclaimed dramas such as “North Country” and “Bombshell.”

Additionally, she’s ventured into film production with Denver and Delilah Productions, solidifying her impact on and off-screen. Honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Theron remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

9. Gal Gadot – $30 million

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Gal Gadot Varsano, born April 30, 1985, is an Israeli actress, model, and former beauty pageant winner. After being crowned Miss Israel in 2004, she represented her country at Miss Universe before serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

Gadot’s acting career began with roles in international films like “Fast & Furious,” but she gained global recognition for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe.

Her performances in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Wonder Woman” propelled her to stardom. Recognized as one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2018, Gadot continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.

10. Melissa McCarthy – $25 million

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Melissa Ann McCarthy, born August 26, 1970, is a multi-talented American actress, screenwriter, producer, and fashion designer. Rising to fame with her role as Sookie St. James in “Gilmore Girls,” she further solidified her presence in the industry with the sitcom “Mike & Molly,” earning an Emmy Award. McCarthy gained widespread acclaim for her performance in “Bridesmaids,” garnering an Academy Award nomination. Known for her comedic prowess, she has starred in numerous successful films like “Spy” and “The Heat.”

Additionally, McCarthy has showcased her dramatic range in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” and the miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers.” Alongside her husband, she co-founded On the Day Productions and launched her clothing line, Melissa McCarthy Seven7. Honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, McCarthy continues to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry.

11. Viola Davis – $23 million

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Viola Davis, born August 11, 1965, is an esteemed American actress and producer, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in film, television, and theatre. Renowned for her versatility and powerful performances, Davis is one of the few artists to achieve the coveted EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.

She gained widespread recognition for her roles in “Doubt” and “The Help,” earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Davis made history as the first black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for “How to Get Away with Murder.”

Her impactful portrayals in “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” solidify her as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century. Beyond her stellar career, Davis is dedicated to advocacy, championing human rights and equality, leaving an indelible mark on society.

12. Meryl Streep – $22 million

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Meryl Streep, born June 22, 1949, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and numerous accolades. With over four decades in the industry, she holds a record of 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three, and 33 Golden Globe nominations, winning eight. Streep’s career began in theatre before transitioning to film with her debut in “Julia” (1977).

Notable roles include “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), “Sophie’s Choice” (1982), and “The Iron Lady” (2011), earning her Oscars. She’s also excelled in TV, receiving Emmy Awards. Honorary awards include the AFI Life Achievement Award and Presidential Medals of Freedom.

13. Cate Blanchett – $20 million

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Cate Blanchett, born May 14, 1969, is an Australian actor and producer celebrated for her versatility and acclaimed performances. She has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Blanchett gained international prominence with roles like Queen Elizabeth I in “Elizabeth” (1998) and Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator” (2004), both earning her Oscars.

Her diverse career spans from blockbusters like “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy to independent films like “Blue Jasmine” (2013). Blanchett’s theatrical contributions include leading the Sydney Theatre Company and acclaimed stage performances. She has received honorary awards and recognition for her influential contributions to the arts.

14. Emilia Clarke – $18 million

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Emilia Clarke, born October 23, 1986, is an English actress renowned for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones” (2011–2019). She earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the role. Clarke’s notable film credits include “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018) and romantic dramas “Me Before You” (2016) and “Last Christmas” (2019).

She studied at Drama Centre London and made her television debut in 2009. Clarke made her Broadway debut in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (2013) and played Nina in a West End production of “The Seagull.” She starred as G’iah in the Marvel Cinematic Universe miniseries “Secret Invasion” (2023).

15. Brie Larson – $16 million

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Brie Larson, born Brianne Desaulniers on October 1, 1989, is an American actress acclaimed for her diverse roles in comedies, dramas, and blockbusters. Beginning her career as a child, she gained prominence with appearances in TV sitcoms and films like “Short Term 12” (2013).

Larson’s breakthrough came with her Academy Award-winning performance in “Room” (2015). She further solidified her status with roles in “Captain Marvel” (2019) and the miniseries “Lessons in Chemistry” (2023). Beyond acting, Larson is a filmmaker, activist, and advocate for gender equality and survivors of sexual assault, earning recognition for her social activism efforts.

16. Margot Robbie – $15 million

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Margot Robbie, born July 2, 1990, is an Australian actress and producer acclaimed for her versatility in both blockbuster hits and independent cinema. Rising to fame with her role in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), she garnered further acclaim for portraying Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe films.

Robbie’s notable performances include “I, Tonya” (2017), earning her an Oscar nomination, and roles in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) and “Bombshell” (2019). Alongside her acting career, Robbie co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment with her husband, producing acclaimed projects like “Promising Young Woman” (2020) and “Barbie” (2023).

17. Zendaya – $15 million

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Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known professionally as Zendaya, born September 1, 1996, is an influential American actress and singer. Rising to fame through Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” (2010–2013) and “K.C. Undercover” (2015–2018), she made her mark in film with “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017) and its sequels.

Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue Bennett in “Euphoria” (2019–present) earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, making her the youngest to win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She’s also recognized for her musical talents, with hits like “Replay” and “Rewrite the Stars” from “The Greatest Showman” (2017).

18. Elizabeth Banks – $14 million

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Elizabeth Banks, born February 10, 1974, is an American actress and filmmaker known for her roles in “The Hunger Games” and “Pitch Perfect” film series. She debuted as a director with “Pitch Perfect 2” (2015), setting a record for a first-time director with its opening weekend gross.

Banks also directed “Charlie’s Angels” (2019) and “Cocaine Bear” (2023). Co-founder of Brownstone Productions, she has appeared in numerous films including “Spider-Man” trilogy, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “The Lego Movie,” and “Power Rangers.” Banks earned Emmy nominations for her roles in “30 Rock” and “Modern Family” and hosts ABC’s “Press Your Luck” revival.

19. Lupita Nyong’o – $12 million

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Lupita Nyong’o, born March 1, 1983, is a Kenyan-Mexican actress acclaimed for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” earning her an Academy Award. Raised in Kenya, she studied film and theatre in the US before debuting in Hollywood.

Nyong’o starred in the TV series “Shuga” and made her mark on Broadway with “Eclipsed,” earning a Tony nomination. She gained prominence in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, “The Jungle Book,” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Black Panther.” Beyond acting, she advocates for various causes, authors children’s books, and was named one of Africa’s Most Powerful Women by Forbes.

20. Emma Watson – $10 million

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Emma Watson, born April 15, 1990, is an English actress known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series. Rising to fame as a child, she transitioned to roles in “Ballet Shoes” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” earning critical acclaim. Watson continued her education, graduating from Brown University in English literature.

As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she launched the HeForShe campaign for gender equality. Watson is involved in activism, including Time’s Up UK, and serves on the board of Kering, advocating for sustainable fashion. She has also modelled for Burberry and Lancôme, showcasing her versatility beyond acting.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, the journey of the 20 Highest Paid Actresses of 2023 is not just about their earnings but also about their influence, versatility, and contributions to social causes. These leading ladies continue to shape the industry with their talent and activism, inspiring generations to come.