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Highlights
- As evidenced by Forbes' "highest-paid actors" list, blockbuster hits reignited box office numbers and star salaries in 2023.
- Streaming services like Netflix drove up salaries, through bidding wars for A-list talent.
- Adam Sandler led the earnings pack with $73 million, mainly from Netflix collaborations and stand-up comedy.
The year 2023 proved to be a transformative one for the film industry, as Forbes' "highest-paid actors" list demonstrates.
Box office numbers rebounded with renewed vigor, fueled by a string of blockbuster hits that drew audiences back to theaters in droves.
The resurgence padded the bottom line for studios and also sent the salaries of Hollywood's top talent soaring — and the success of a film now has a more direct and significant impact on an actor's earning potential than ever before.
Lucrative backend deals tied to box office results have become increasingly common. Meanwhile, the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime has further shaken up the traditional pay structure.
These platforms are shelling out massive sums to attract A-list stars for original content. This has led to a bidding war for talent, driving up salaries and giving actors more leverage to negotiate unprecedented compensation packages.
Adam Sandler, in particular, has reaped the benefits of his collaboration with Netflix, earning $73 million in 2023:
Sandler Had A Great 2023Where Brooklyn At? How Adam Sandler Earns And Spends His $420 Million Net Worth
Adam Sandler's net worth results from his journey from SNL star to Hollywood royalty, and his films have grossed $5.6 billion at the box office.The 57-year-old Sandler has headlined eight films exclusively for Netflix and spearheaded numerous additional projects through his production company, Happy Madison Productions.
Collectively, the ten highest-earning actors raked in $449 million in 2023, predominantly through their work in film, rather than television.
This trend can be attributed to various factors, including the impact of writers' and actors' strikes that disrupted Hollywood operations for a significant portion of the year.
Additionally, the long-standing precedent in the industry allows top movie stars to negotiate lucrative deals, with some commanding upfront fees of up to $20 million per film along with a share of its profits.
Once a year, Forbes ranks the ten highest-paid actors for the previous year (2023) — let's dive in, and look at the details.
ICYMIBeyond Barbenheimer: 2023's Top Grossing Films
The global box office roared back with over $8.7 billion in 2023, and these blockbusters reigned supreme.10 Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $24 Million
Despite his industry veteran status, Denzel Washington remains a box office draw.
In 2023, he reprised his role as Robert McCall in The Equalizer 3, a franchise that continues to draw audiences worldwide. Washington was paid $20 million for his involvement in the sequel.
The film's success, along with consistent revenue from his extensive back catalog (including classics like Training Day and Malcolm X), contributed significantly to his $24 million earnings.
Washington's everlasting appeal, as evidenced by the enduring success of his films, demonstrates his continued bankability and makes him an attractive investment for studios – even as he enters his seventh decade.
Projects | The Equalizer 3 |
|---|---|
Earnings | $24 Million |
Additional Earning Factors | Loyalties From Training Day,Malcolm X |
9 Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $38 Million
Ben Affleck's 2023 earnings highlight the value of wearing multiple hats in Hollywood.
Beyond his onscreen presence, Affleck's role as CEO of Artists Equity, the studio he co-founded with Matt Damon, undoubtedly contributed to his substantial income.
However, his biggest financial win came from Air. Affleck directed and starred in the biopic about Nike's bold pursuit of Michael Jordan.
Air grossed $52.5 million in the United States and Canada and $37.6 million in other territories, for a total of $90.1 million worldwide.
The film's subsequent move to Amazon Prime Video likely provided an additional revenue boost.
Affleck's multifaceted approach, blending acting, directing, and studio leadership, positions him as a savvy player in the industry and amplifies his earning potential.
Projects | Air |
|---|---|
Earnings | $38 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Sold Air To Amazon Prime |
Molto Ben A.Beyond Boston And Batcaves: The Highest Grossing Ben Affleck Movies
Ben Affleck's career spans 40 years, grossing over $6.3 billion. Affleck's highest-grossing films are diverse, with one very surprising entry.8 Jason Statham
Jason Statham's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $41 Million
Jason Statham's schedule in 2023 was filled to the brim with a multitude of projects, keeping him fully occupied throughout the year.
The 56-year-old actor headlined four major films, all in 2023. He reprised his roles in established franchises like Fast X, Meg 2: The Trench, and Expend4bles, guaranteeing a built-in audience.
The British action star earned around $20 million to $25 million for his role in Meg 2: The Trench, making it one of his highest-paying movies.
Statham also took on a new action-comedy with Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, bringing his comedic side to bringing his comedic side to the forefront.
The combination of franchise power and fresh projects propelled him to the top of the earners list.
Statham's dominance extends even into 2024, with The Beekeeper, another action flick, currently leading the box office charts.
Projects | Fast X, Meg 2: The Trench, Expend4bles, Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre. |
|---|---|
Earnings | $41 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | - |
7 Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $41 Million
Leonardo DiCaprio continued his reign as Hollywood royalty in 2023, earning an impressive $41 million.
Despite missing out on an Oscar nomination for Killers Of The Flower Moon, Leonardo DiCaprio's 2023 earnings were nothing short of exceptional.
DiCaprio negotiated a substantial salary and secured a buy-out of his theatrical profit participation once the movie debuts on AppleTV+.
According to reports, DiCaprio earned $40 million for his role, representing one-fifth of the film's $200 million production budget.
This is his highest-paying collaboration with Martin Scorsese out of their six feature films together to date.
Projects | Killers Of The Flower Moon |
|---|---|
Earnings | $41 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Back-End Deal With AppleTV+ |
Leo SeasonLeonardo DiCaprio's Net Worth, Hollywood Earnings, And Eco-Conscious Investments
Leonardo DiCaprio, a Hollywood icon and environmental champion, has transcended cinema with his activism and business ventures.6 Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $42 Million
Friends royalties undoubtedly contribute to Jennifer Aniston's annual earnings, but the actress continues to be influential in Hollywood at 54.
Aniston reportedly earns up to $2 million per episode for starring and serving as an executive producer on AppleTV+'s hit show, The Morning Show.
Aside from her television earnings, she co-starred with Adam Sandler in the Netflix action comedy sequel Murder Mystery 2.
Aniston further bolstered her income with lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Uber Eats, the fitness program Pvolve, Vital Proteins, and her own haircare line, LolaVie.
Altogether, these efforts combined to bring in $42 million for Aniston in 2023.
Projects | Murder Mystery 2, The Morning Show |
|---|---|
Earnings | $42 Million |
Additional Earning Factors | Lucrative Endorsement Deals, Friends Residuals |
5 Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $43 Million
Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken in 2023's omnipresent summer sensation, Barbie, landed him both an Oscar nomination and one of his most lucrative gigs ever.
Barbie grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of the year. Reports indicate that Gosling pulled in $12.5 million for his role in the fantasy comedy film.
His power ballad from the movie – "I'm Just Ken" – became a massive sensation, garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify and further contributing to his earnings:
Although he did not portray the title character, Gosling's performance was highly valued — evident in his substantial paycheck, comparable to that of the lead actress, Margot Robbie.
Projects | Barbie |
|---|---|
Earnings | $43 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Spotify Streaming From 'I'm Just Ken' |
His Job Is 'Beach'These Are The Highest-Grossing Ryan Gosling Movies
Ryan Gosling landed an Oscar nod for Barbie, and spoke out about the Academy's snub. These are his highest-grossing films.4 Matt Damon
Matt Damon's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $43 Million
In 2023, Matt Damon's earnings totaled a massive $43 million, indicating his continued success in Tinseltown.
His involvement in various projects contributed to his cumulative earnings for the year.
Damon's decision to take a reduced salary of $4 million for his supporting role in Oppenheimer, in exchange for a share of the movie's profits, proved to be a wise move, considering the film grossed over $960 million worldwide.
Furthermore, Damon's collaboration with Ben Affleck's Artists Equity studio also influenced his total earnings for the year.
The studio's first project, Air, sold to Amazon for $130 million. That figure was well above the movie's budget, ensuring ample profits for all involved.
Projects | Oppenheimer, Air |
|---|---|
Earnings | $43 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Sold Air To Amazon Prime |
3 Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $45 Million
Tom Cruise's legendary status as an action star and box-office draw continues at age 61.
His unique "first-dollar gross" deal gives him a percentage of a film's profits from the very start – before the studio even covers costs.
The unique arrangement played a considerable role in his 2023 earnings, where he cashed in on the success of Top Gun: Maverick and the latest Mission: Impossible installment.
Studios still clamor to work with Cruise, evidenced by his recent development deal with Warner Bros.
It's no surprise his earnings soared to $45 million in 2023 – after all, he's one of the highest-grossing box-office stars of all time.
Projects | Top Gun: Maverick, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One |
|---|---|
Earnings | $45 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Movie Deal With Warner Bros. |
Cruise ControlShow Me The Money: The Highest-Grossing Tom Cruise Films
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise's movies have been entertaining audiences for four decades, and these are the highest-grossing among them.2 Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $59 Million
Margot Robbie's star power reached new heights in 2023, thanks to the smash hit Barbie.
The live-action film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing $1.45 billion globally. But Robbie's earnings went beyond just her acting salary.
As both the movie's star and producer, she earned a considerable share of the profits – an estimated 12.5 percent, according to Forbes. That figure translates to a windfall of over $60 million.
Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, gained momentum with projects like the much buzzed about satire Saltburn; the studio was also involved in the production process of Barbie.
In February 2024, Robbie inked an exclusive first-look deal with Warner Bros., guaranteeing her presence on this year's list as well.
Aside from her projects in Hollywood, Robbie's brand partnerships and licensing agreements contributed to her earnings in 2023.
With her multifaceted approach to entertainment and keen business acumen, Robbie continues to dominate both on and off the screen.
Projects | Barbie |
|---|---|
Earnings | $59 Million |
Additional Earning Factors | Saltburn, Brand Partnerships, Licensing Agreements |
1 Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler's Estimated Earnings In 2023 - $73 Million
Adam Sandler topped the list of highest-earning actors in 2023, with an astounding $73 million — and his collaboration with Netflix proved to be a major cash cow.
In 2023, his production company, Happy Madison Productions, released three movies for Netflix — Murder Mystery 2, the animated movie Leo, and You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah:
In the first half of 2023 alone, Netflix subscribers spent more than 500 million hours watching Sandler's movies.
The most successful of his projects in 2023 was Murder Mystery 2.
Within the first three months of its release, the film accumulated over 173 million hours of viewing on the streaming platform and secured a spot in the Netflix Top 10 in 90 countries.
Sandler's busy year also included over 40 stand-up comedy tour dates.
According to Forbes, his continued presence on the stand-up comedy circuit earned him $400,000 per show in 2023.
Projects | Three Films For Netflix |
|---|---|
Earnings | $73 Million |
Additional Earning Factor | Stand-Up Comedy |
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