I always find Forbes annual list of highest paid actresses suspect because when you dig into it you realize the huge sums aren't necessarily for acting but for being spokespersons for various products or fashion houses. Of course that requires the celebrity that comes from acting hence the fusion of commerce and art. With some mainstays of the list, like Jennifer Aniston who is on it every year, the money is largely for commercials with the films being commercials for her celebrity to keep the commercial endorsement business going. With others the money is largely the frequent hit films (Melissa McCarthy). Franchises definitely help: Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson both made Marvel money this past year, Angelina Jolie's big number is her upfront pay for Maleficent 2, and Gal Gadot's is her sudden cash-in on her new celebrity from helping to make Wonder Woman such a massive global hit in 2017.
The 2018 list goes like so...
- Scarlett Johansson $40.5 million
- Angelina Jolie $28 million
- Jennifer Aniston $19.5 million
- Jennifer Lawrence $18 million
- Reese Witherspoon $16.5 million
- Mila Kunis $16 million
- Julia Roberts $13 million
- Cate Blanchett $12.5 million
- Melissa McCarthy $12 million
- Gal Gadot $10 million (first time on the list)
On the list last year but didn't manage it this time: Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Amy Adams, and Charlize Theron.
If you controlled the world which 10 actresses would be showered with money for 2018?