The Top-Earning Actors of 2023

Collectively, the top 10 highest-paid stars amassed a staggering $449 million in earnings throughout 2023, predominantly derived from their involvement in movies rather than television. This trend can be attributed, in part, to the writers’ and actors’ strikes that halted Hollywood productions for a significant portion of the year, leading to delays or abbreviated TV seasons. Additionally, the longstanding precedent in the film industry allows top-tier movie stars to command hefty upfront fees, often up to $20 million per film, along with a percentage of its profits.

In the grand scheme, starring in a successful theatrical release remains Hollywood’s ultimate prize. Unlike Netflix, which compensates actors with a premium upfront payment and secures their profit participation over a two-year period, a hit movie can continue to generate revenue indefinitely. Consequently, actors with profit participation face no ceiling on their potential earnings.

For instance, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the stars of Barbie, clinch the second and fourth spots respectively on this year’s top 10 list solely based on their estimated earnings from box office receipts, video on-demand sales, and the movie’s initial streaming window. Their overall compensation for their roles in a cultural phenomenon is anticipated to be substantially higher.

“Margo Robbie will be receiving Barbie checks for the rest of her life,” affirms one agent.

Robbie’s ascent to success deviates in another significant aspect. At 33, she stands as the youngest individual on the highest-paid actors list, a decade younger than the average age of the other nine, which exceeds 52. Older actors benefit from residuals accumulated over decades from past hits, such as Jennifer Aniston with Friends. Additionally, Hollywood salaries are largely established by precedent, meaning top stars expect their compensation to match or surpass their earnings from previous projects.

This adherence to established salary structures often poses challenges for younger actors striving to ascend to the upper echelons of the industry. The same holds true for actors of color, with only one representation in the top 10 for 2023 (Denzel Washington at No. 10). While some of the perennial highest-paid Black actors focused on other endeavors, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with Teramana tequila and the XFL, and Kevin Hart with stand-up comedy, others like Will Smith were engaged in image rehabilitation efforts following the 2022 Oscars incident. Notably, blockbuster films featuring Black, Asian, and Hispanic actors remain scarce.

“The reality is, Hollywood remains predominantly white,” remarks Darnell Hunt, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at UCLA and author of the Hollywood Diversity Report. “A handful of actors of color can command those salaries, having established a proven track record. But the underlying issue lies in the lack of opportunities given to actors to build that track record.”

As we look ahead to 2024, the landscape of the highest-paid actors is poised for a transformation. While Margot Robbie, Tom Cruise (No. 3 this year), and Leonardo DiCaprio (No. 7) embark on their next ventures, upcoming theatrical releases will feature Will Smith in Bad Boys 4, Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool 3. Moreover, emerging talents from the cast of Dune 2, including Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Anya Taylor-Joy, are set to headline multiple projects in the upcoming year. Blockbuster TV shows like Yellowstone, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Bear will also contribute to the earnings mix.

Beyond the substantial paychecks, the highest-paid stars of 2023 have gained increased influence within the industry, particularly in negotiating more favorable terms for future projects. In an industry where compensation fluctuates based on performance, this list serves as a snapshot of who holds the most leverage in Hollywood in 2024.