Taraji P. Henson Reveals She Made Just $40,000 From Oscar-Nominated Benjamin Button Role

Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson has detailed the stark financial reality behind her Oscar-nominated performance. She earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in the 2008 blockbuster The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Despite the film’s critical and commercial success, her pay was shockingly low.

Henson was initially offered just $100,000 for the role after asking for $500,000. She ultimately accepted $150,000, a figure she felt was unfair for her contribution to a major film. The experience left her feeling gutted and forced to swallow her pride.

The Stunning Pay Disparity on a Major Film Set

The film starred A-list actors Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. According to Henson, co-stars at that level commanded quotes of around $20 million for such projects. She clarified that she believed her co-stars deserved their high pay. Her frustration stemmed from the producers’ refusal to meet her own, much lower, asking price.

Henson felt her requested fee was fair for the ticket sales she would help generate. The producers’ initial lowball offer was a significant blow. Negotiations only resulted in a modest increase to $150,000, which she felt compelled to accept.

Why a $150,000 Paycheck Shrunk to $40,000

Henson broke down the math to explain the final take-home amount. The $150,000 was subject to a 50 percent tax rate, immediately halving the sum. She also had to pay her team—agents, managers, and publicists—their standard 30 percent fee.

After accounting for taxes and team payments, her estimated net earnings were approximately $40,000. This stark calculation highlights the significant difference between an actor’s gross pay and their actual income. It underscores the financial challenges even for actors in high-profile, successful films.

The story of Taraji P. Henson’s salary for Benjamin Button exposes ongoing pay disparity issues in Hollywood. Her experience continues to fuel important conversations about fair compensation. It shows that an Oscar nomination does not always translate to financial security.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Taraji P. Henson’s initial salary request for Benjamin Button?

Henson initially asked for a $500,000 fee for her role. The film’s producers rejected this quote outright. They countered with an offer of just $100,000.

How much did she ultimately get paid for the film?

After negotiations, Taraji P. Henson accepted a final fee of $150,000. This was for her performance that later earned an Academy Award nomination. The sum was significantly less than her initial request.

Why did her $150,000 paycheck become so much smaller?

Henson explained that taxes took about 50% of the gross pay. She then had to pay her team 30% of the remaining amount. This left her with an estimated net income of just $40,000.

How did this pay compare to her co-stars’ salaries?

While Henson received $150,000, leads like Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett commanded salaries in the $20 million range. Henson has stated she does not dispute their high pay. She simply wanted her own quote to be considered fair for her contribution.

Has Henson spoken about other pay disparity issues?

Yes, Taraji P. Henson has been vocal about pay equity throughout her career. She has discussed facing lowball offers and unequal pay compared to her peers. Her advocacy highlights systemic issues for women of color in the entertainment industry.