The Highest-Paid Actor of 2023 Revealed — Public Discusses Whether It’s Deserved

Recently, Forbes published a report on the "Top Ten Highest-Paid Actors of 2023", and some names on the list made people's jaws drop. Overall, the ten highest-paid stars combined earned $449 million, but how those millions were distributed among the actors is the thing that made people question.

To understand the dynamics of earnings in the entertainment industry, it's crucial to note the stark contrast between the salary contracts of TV show actors and movie actors. While TV actors on Netflix typically receive upfront payment with minimal residual earnings post-release, movie actors benefit from a percentage of movie sales over their lifetime, including box office earnings, rentals, and purchases.

It's not surprising that the list includes a famous "Friends" star or the renowned "Titanic" actor, given their longstanding success and ongoing royalties. However, there are other names on the list that might have made people do a double-take, leaving them puzzled about how some actors managed to secure their positions in the highest-paid stars list.

The first problematic figure turned out to be Denzel Washington, who was only tenth on the list among other actors. It is not his high salary of $24 million that made people angry. Quite the opposite — the public was astounded by how low the beloved actor was ranked.

“Denzel what?! The man definitely deserves highest paid!!!” commented a user. “Denzel only 24 !!! Whattttttt omg he's one of the best actors in this world !!!!” another agreed.

The comments were flooded with exclamations regarding the actor's low salary, calling it unfair and uncalled for. The actor has become a cinematic icon through his performances such as Malcolm in "Malcolm X" and as the corrupt detective in "Training Day," a role that earned him an Academy Award. And let's not forget his portrayal of a soldier in "Glory," which also earned him an Oscar.

If such a prominent figure in the movie industry is last on the list, the question arises — who ranks above him? The answer is simple: Batman.

None other than Ben Affleck ranked ninth on the list with his salary of $38 million, which makes him still poorer than the iconic superhero that he portrayed in the "Suicide Squad," "Justice League," and "Batman v Superman" adaptations.

Just like his character in "Gone Girl", Affleck was outsmarted and outnumbered by some influential women on the list, who earned more than him despite his wide-ranging filmography. It might have even been his former co-star from the 2009 rom-com “He's Just Not That Into You,” but let's take it all in step by step.

Only three million dollars ahead of Ben Affleck, the beloved Jason Statham ranked as number eight. It looks like the "Fast and Furious" star wasn't furious enough with his salaries since he ranked so low, despite starring in blockbusters such as “The Transporter” and “The Expendables.”

His bald looks did not come with bold salary choices, so he goes down in history as the seventh most-paid actor of 2023.

Leonardo DiCaprio follows at number six with his iconic role in "Titanic." While the public still debates whether there was enough space on that Titanic door for Jack alongside Rose, it is safe to say there was certainly enough space in DiCaprio's wallet for the money from his Oscar-winning films.

Despite earning $41 million, DiCaprio doesn't even crack the top five on the list. Nevertheless, with $41 million, the actor can still afford to live up to that “The Gatsby” lifestyle and have some cash left.

Jennifer Aniston, the first woman on the list, ranks at number six, which doesn't surprise fans at all. After playing the role of the waitress on the "Friends" show for so many years, the actress deserves to never have to endure the struggles that Rachel Green faced in the story.

Additionally, Aniston continues to receive paychecks for her high-scoring movies, such as "We are the Millers," "Murder Mystery," and "Just Go With It," so it's no mystery why she's high on the list.

As we enter the top five of the highest-paid actors in 2023, it's worth mentioning the Barbenheimer phenomenon that swept through movie theaters worldwide. Matt Damon, one of the stars of "Oppenheimer," reaps the rewards of his role with a salary of $43 million.

Alongside him, among the top five highest-paid actors, there are "Barbie" stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, earning $59 million and $43 million, respectively. Barbie and Ken aren't playing around with their contracts when it comes to money. After the summer of 2023, they'll be receiving "Barbie" paychecks for the rest of their lives.

While Gosling ranks at number four, and Robbie holds second place, there is another actor in the top three highest-paid positions.

Tom Cruise, landing in the lucky number three spot, earned $45 million this year. His standout performance in "Top Gun" secured him a place among the top three highest-paid actors.

Famous for his dedication to performing his own stunts in many of his films, Tom Cruise earns his money from his most iconic roles, such as Ethan Hunt in the "Mission: Impossible" series, Jerry Maguire in "Jerry Maguire," and Ron Kovic in "Born on the Fourth of July."

While fans weren't surprised to see Tom Cruise take third place and Margot Robbie secure second with her role as Barbie, the public was both shocked and puzzled when it came to the highest-paid actor of the year.

After Oscar-winning Leonardo DiCaprio roles, life-changing Margot Robbie performances, and beloved Matt Damon movies, none other than Adam Sandler ranks first on the Forbes list.

The funny actor, known for his romcoms and comedic-relief characters, is earning more than all of the other actors.

“Adam Sandler for what?!?” questioned a user. “Wow, I never expected Adam to top the list,” another commenter posted. It's not just his ranking that surprises people, it's the amount of $73 million that the actor is earning.

“What did Adam Sandler get $73 million for ?!” asked someone on X. “Really? Adam Sandler? WOW!” another user posted.

Understanding Adam Sandler's contract history helps to explain the situation. In 2014, the actor secured his initial $250 million four-film agreement with Netflix. He has appeared in eight Netflix films and has also produced several others through his Happy Madison production company.

Additionally, a large portion of his previous comedy films is now available for streaming on the platform. So, in just the first half of 2023, Netflix users collectively spent over 500 million hours viewing Sandler's movies.

“There’s no such thing as too much Sandler,” said co-CEO of Netflix, and he was right. People can't seem to get enough of lighthearted movies with Adam Sandler in the lead role.

With surprised audiences and new movies in the making, Hollywood continues to capture the attention of viewers worldwide. It is still unknown how this year's Oscars ceremony will change the game among the actors, but regardless of who wins, Adam Sandler will live on in cinema history with his comedic performances and cheerful movies.