Behind every billion-dollar Hollywood company is an executive in a boardroom getting blockbuster paychecks.
According to the latest executive compensation data gathered by the Hollywood Reporter, some of the most prominent CEOs took home tens of millions in 2024—even in a year where some companies saw stock declines.
The highest-paid exec of the year wasn’t even an active CEO. Paramount’s former CEO Bob Bakish’s massive severance payout helped him top the list.
Meanwhile, execs from Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery remain some of the top earners still actively in their roles. Others such as SiriusXM’s Jennifer Witz and TKO Group’s Ari Emanuel, also pulled in impressive paydays at $37.1 million and $18.1 million, respectively.
Here’s a breakdown of what some of the most prominent Hollywood CEOs made in 2024:
How much did former Paramount CEO Bob Bakish make?
Despite being ousted as CEO of Paramount Global last April, 61-year-old Bakish received a total of $87 million in 2024, marking a 178% increase over the $31.3 million he made last year. The bulk of it came from a severance package worth $69.3 million, making him the top-paid Hollywood executive despite his departure.
How much do Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters make?
Sarandos, 60, earned $61.9 million in 2024 (up 24% from $49.8 million in 2023) while Peters, 69, earned $60.3 million (a 50% jump from his 2023 earnings).
How much does Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav make?
Zaslav, 65, brought in $51.9 million in 2024, up modestly from $49.7 million the year before.
How much does Disney CEO Bob Iger make?
Bob Iger’s 2024 compensation totaled $41.1 million, a 30% increase from his 2023 figure of $31.6 million. Most of the 74-year-old’s pay came in the form of stock and options, per THR.
How much does Roku CEO Anthony Wood make?
Despite Roku’s stock dropping 19%, the 59-year-old CEO earned $27.7 million in 2024, a 34% increase from $20.2 million the year before.
How much does AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron make?
Aron’s pay fell to $11.3 million in 2024, marking a 56% decrease from $25.4 million in 2023, as the movie chain is still navigating a debt load and changing consumer habits thanks to streaming.
