The money's on Angelina

New research reveals Hollywood's top earning actresses.

by Jennie Kermode

She's been voted the sexiest woman in Hollywood, and now she's been revealed as the richest. Angelina Jolie has topped a poll by Forbes magazine, with annual earnings of $27M making her the most successful actress in the business.Most of the money came from profit-shares on Wanted, making it clear why she's still keen to appear in action movies despite the awards she's won for more thoughtful roles.

Runner up in the poll was Jennifer Aniston, the former wife of Angelina's husband Brad Pitt. She earned $25 million, largely thanks to the success of feelgood comedy Marley And Me, though she continues to get substantial royalty payments from Friends. She's also managed to cash in on her success with a lucrative advertising contract for mineral water.

Other actresses doing well for themselves are Meryl Streep, who made $24M, mostly from Mamma Mia; Sarah Jessica Perker, with $23M from Sex And The City; and Cameron Diaz, who made $20M from assorted projects. But acting isn't a big money-spinner for everyone. Despite winning the Oscar for Best Actress, Kate Winslet made only $2M. And actresses still earn a pitiful amount compared to their male counterparts, with Harrison Ford making a massive $65M.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film