Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has brought much-needed clarity to the business side of Nollywood, drawing a sharp distinction between being a “highest-grossing actor” and a “highest-earning actor.” Speaking amid ongoing discussions surrounding celebrity rankings and box office success in the Nigerian film industry, Okanlawon pointed out that the two terms are frequently misused by the public and media alike. He clarified that a highest-grossing actor simply refers to a performer whose name is attached to films that generate massive revenue at the cinema box office, which reflects ticket sales rather than personal wealth.
In contrast, the veteran actor explained that a highest-earning actor refers strictly to the actual take-home pay an individual receives, encompassing upfront acting salaries, backend profit-sharing, corporate endorsements, and other personal income streams. Okanlawon emphasized that a movie pulling in staggering numbers at the box office does not automatically translate to a massive payday for the actors involved, as production costs, cinema cuts, and distribution fees take the lion’s share before anyone else is paid. By separating cinematic performance from personal bank accounts, he urged fans and stakeholders to view Nollywood’s growth through a more realistic financial lens.
