Kristen Stewart, the famous Twilight starlet, recently topped Forbes’ highest-paid actresses list. She made an estimated $34.5 million from May 2011 to May 2012. $34.5 million may seem like a lot of money, but women in the acting business are paid less than men. The women who made it onto Forbes’ highest-paid actresses list only earn a total of $200 million, compared to the $361 million that the top men rake in. There are many factors that determine who ends up on Forbes’ list. Upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements, and advertising work are all considered. Agency fees and expenses related to having a celebrity lifestyle are not included. Managers, agents, lawyers, and other people who are in the Hollywood loop helped Forbes to come up with their estimates.

At 22, Stewart is the youngest actress on the Forbes list by 16 years.

Needless to say, Stewart’s reoccurring role as Bella Swan in the Twilight saga has helped her to reach the peak of her career and the top of the Forbes’ list. Her latest role as Snow White in “Snow White and the Huntsman” has also helped her revenue.

Veteran actress Cameron Diaz ranked second on the Forbes list. Diaz raked in $34 million over the same time-frame as Stewart. Her 2011 comedy, Bad Teacher, made $216 million in global ticket sales, which is more than double of what its budget was. “The Green Hornet” and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” also helped Diaz to be ranked second.

Surprisingly, Sandra Bullock trailed $9 million behind Cameron Diaz. Bullock raked in $25 million. The 47-year old actress is still earning revenue from her 2009 Oscar winning hit, “The Blind Side”. The film earned $310 million.

During Christmas of 2011, Bullock’s film “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” only earned $48 million. Bullock is currently working on a big-budget sci-fi film directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity. The film also stars George Clooney. “Gravity” is scheduled to be released in 2013.

Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron rounded out the top 5 on the Forbes list. Jolie raked in $20 million while Theron raked in $18 million.

Kristen Stewart may be snatching the number one spot again next year on Forbes’ list of highest-paid actresses. Stewart has the highly anticipated last installment of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn– Part 2 to look forward to later this year. She is currently working on the film Cali, which is scheduled to be released in 2013.

Image Courtesy of  Gage Skidmore

The article Twilight Starlet Stewart is Forbes’ Highest Paid Actress appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.