The March 2025 Forbes list of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors in 2024 laid bare a stark reality: among the top 20 earners, only three are women, underscoring the persistent gender gap in the entertainment industry. Leading the pack, Dwayne Johnson raked in 88 million dollars (approximately R$ 515 million) with projects like “Moana 2” and “Red One,” followed closely by Ryan Reynolds, who earned 85 million dollars (R$ 497 million) thanks to the billion-dollar success of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Kevin Hart, with 81 million dollars (R$ 474 million), rounds out the male-dominated top three. In contrast, the women on the list, though prominent, lag far behind: Nicole Kidman earned 31 million dollars (R$ 181 million), Mariska Hargitay brought in 25 million dollars (R$ 146 million), and Scarlett Johansson secured 21 million dollars (R$ 123 million). These figures highlight a trend where blockbuster films and lucrative production deals overwhelmingly favor men, while women, even in standout roles, face a clear financial ceiling.
Nicole Kidman, the only woman in the top ten, lands at eighth place, her earnings boosted by “Babygirl” and streaming platform deals. The 57-million-dollar gap between her and Johnson illustrates the unequal opportunities in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, the 17 men on the list collectively amassed 1.2 billion dollars (R$ 7 billion), dwarfing the 77 million dollars (R$ 450 million) earned by the three women, a disparity that emphasizes the male stronghold on Hollywood’s top paychecks.
Male giants lead the rankings
Dwayne Johnson, aged 52, retains his crown as the highest-paid actor for the second year running. His 88 million dollars stem from a mix of acting fees for “Moana 2” and “Red One,” plus profits as a producer and endorsement deals, including his tequila brand. The former wrestler has built an empire that extends far beyond the screen.
Ryan Reynolds, with 85 million dollars, rode the wave of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the year’s biggest hit, grossing over 1 billion dollars globally. Beyond acting, he cashed in as a producer and through advertising partnerships.
Hits driving the earnings
Kevin Hart, third with 81 million dollars, diversified his income across film, stand-up, and streaming. Movies like “Lift” and over 40 live comedy shows in 2024 cemented his spot among the elite, showcasing his broad appeal.
Women shine amid the gap
Nicole Kidman, 57, stands as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress of 2024 with 31 million dollars. Her earnings reflect a career blending intense roles, like in “Babygirl,” with lucrative contracts from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Though she’s the lone woman in the top ten, her paycheck remains leagues below the male frontrunners, highlighting ongoing hurdles for actresses.
Mariska Hargitay, earning 25 million dollars at 61, owes her spot to her enduring role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Combining acting pay with production credits, she remains a rare high-earner in a male-heavy market.
Scarlett Johansson, 40, closes the female trio with 21 million dollars. Her haul includes residuals from “Black Widow” and the release of “Fly Me to the Moon,” a drama reinforcing her range after years as a Marvel star.
Blockbusters fuel the big paydays
The triumph of big-budget films in 2024 powered the massive earnings of the list’s top men. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” released in June, paired Ryan Reynolds with Hugh Jackman, who earned 50 million dollars (R$ 292 million), dominating box offices with over 1 billion dollars in global receipts. The duo’s chemistry and Marvel nostalgia delivered hefty profits.
Dwayne Johnson excelled with “Moana 2,” a November animation hit with families worldwide, and “Red One,” a December holiday comedy that tapped into seasonal audiences. Both projects underscore his knack for tapping into popular genres.
Jerry Seinfeld, with 60 million dollars, stood out with “Unfrosted,” a comedy about Pop-Tarts, bolstered by ongoing “Seinfeld” streaming revenue, landing him among the top earners without action-packed blockbusters.
Figures exposing the divide
Hollywood’s gender imbalance becomes glaringly apparent in the totals. The 17 men on the list amassed 1.2 billion dollars, while the three women combined for just 77 million dollars. The average gap between male and female earners in the top 20 hovers around 50 million dollars per actor, a chasm tied to both role availability and profit-sharing deals.
Key comparisons include:
- Dwayne Johnson: 88 million dollars, the undisputed leader.
- Nicole Kidman: 31 million dollars, the female peak.
- Male total: 1.2 billion dollars versus 77 million for women.
Brad Pitt, with 32 million dollars, and George Clooney, with 31 million, also feature, lifted by “F1” and “Wolfs,” respectively, showing even mid-tier male earnings outpace the women.
Varied paths to wealth
Ryan Reynolds didn’t stop at acting in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” His company, Maximum Effort, reaped rewards from ad campaigns and partnerships, like Aviation Gin, boosting his income beyond film work. This multifaceted approach keeps him among Hollywood’s elite.
Kevin Hart balanced over 40 stand-up gigs with films like “Lift” and Netflix deals, which paid handsomely for exclusive content. His ability to juggle stage and screen sets him apart.
Streaming boosts the paychecks
Streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+ played a major role in 2024 earnings. Nicole Kidman inked multimillion-dollar deals for exclusive projects, while Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart cashed in on films and specials like “Red One” and live comedy tailored for these platforms.
Hugh Jackman’s return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” benefited from Disney+ streaming profits, illustrating how digital platforms now supplement traditional box office revenue in today’s paychecks.
Stories behind the fortunes
Jerry Seinfeld, at 70, saw “Unfrosted” yield 60 million dollars, though much of his income flows from “Seinfeld,” a streaming staple delivering steady residuals. His case shows the enduring value of established brands.
Channing Tatum, with 24 million dollars, reemerged with “Blink Twice,” a psychological thriller marking a bold shift after quieter years. His earnings signal a strategic comeback.
George Clooney, tied with Nicole Kidman at 31 million dollars, paired “Wolfs” with off-screen profits from his Casamigos tequila sale, proving his wealth spans beyond acting.