Actresses who earned the most from a single movie

They also earn big

For decades, high Hollywood salaries were a men's club, until they said enough. Today, some actresses have achieved scandalous contracts, earning more than 50 million for a single role.

Sandra Bullock - 'Gravity' (2013)

The contract that launched her into orbit. 20 million dollars upfront, plus a brutal percentage of the profits. Result: more than 70 million for floating in the void. And filling her pockets.

Margot Robbie - 'Barbie' (2023)

Margot Robbie took a gamble by producing a movie that seemed cursed. Indeed, she set an initial salary of 12.5 million dollars, which ended up complemented by more than 50 million due to the box office success of the film. In the end, 62.5 million dollars and a place in the pantheon of the highest earners in Hollywood history.

Scarlett Johansson - 'Black Widow' (2021)

She made 20 million upfront and many more after suing Disney for a simultaneous streaming release. The outcome was not published, but Deadline reported that the compensation had exceeded the 40 million that, added to the initial salary, brought Scarlett Johansson to surpass 60 million dollars.

Reese Witherspoon - 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde' (2003)

Reese Witherspoon earned close to 50 million dollars with collateral earnings (merchandising, appearances, etc.). Elle Woods knew about laws... and iron-clad clauses.

Cameron Diaz - 'Bad Teacher' (2011)

Cameron Diaz reached 43 million dollars, between a salary (1 million) and a box office percentage (42 million), for playing a toxic teacher.

Angelina Jolie - 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' (2019)

Earning just over 35 million for her role, Jolie proved that being the villain can be very profitable. Penetrating gaze and a devilishly good contract clause.

Julia Roberts - 'Mona Lisa Smile' (2003)

Sony paid more than 25 million for her smile. A female record at the time. She played a feminist teacher while being one in Hollywood.

Jennifer Lawrence - 'Passengers' (2016)

Curiously, Sony paid Jennifer Lawrence 20 million dollars, almost double the 12 million Chris Pratt received. A milestone indeed, backed by the fact that JLaw had just won an Oscar for Best Actress in 2012 for 'Silver Linings Playbook'.

Gal Gadot - 'Red Notice' (2021)

Wonder Woman earned about 20 million for this action film alongside Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds. Netflix spared no expense: explosions, chases, and a stratospheric salary for its villainess.