Net Worth of Frances McDormand
Frances McDormand has an estimated net worth of $25 million. She is an acclaimed actress who has starred in films like “Fargo,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” and “Nomadland,” winning multiple Academy Awards and other honors.
McDormand’s high net worth can be attributed to her lengthy and successful career in the film industry spanning over 35 years. Some of her most financially successful films have included “Fargo,” which grossed $60 million at the box office, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” which brought in over $1 billion globally, and more recently “Nomadland,” which grossed over $40 million.
In addition to her film salaries, McDormand has earned income from endorsement deals and investments. She has been able to accumulate significant wealth as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $25 million |
How Does Frances McDormand Make Her Money?
The vast majority of Frances McDormand’s multi-million dollar net worth comes from her lucrative acting career spanning over three decades. Some of the ways she has earned money over the years include:
- Movie salaries – By starring as the lead or major supporting character in critically acclaimed films such as “Fargo,” “North Country,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” and “Nomadland,” McDormand has negotiated seven-figure salaries. Her highest movie paychecks have typically come later in her career.
- Back-end profits – For some films like “Fargo,” McDormand is thought to have earned additional income from a percentage of the movie’s profits or revenue. Strong box office returns and residuals can significantly increase her earnings.
- Endorsements – While not a huge money maker, McDormand has done a handful of paid promotions and partnerships over the years for brands like L’Oreal and LAPS bags.
- Investments – McDormand has likely made intelligent investments in stocks, real estate, or businesses to help build her wealth over time. However, she keeps her private finances very secretive.
Thanks to this diverse income stream from being an acclaimed actress, writer, and producer, Frances McDormand has accumulated a sizeable $25 million net worth.
What Homes and Cars Does Frances McDormand Own?
Despite her immense wealth, Frances McDormand leads a relatively low-key lifestyle out of the spotlight. She is not known to flaunt lavish homes or cars.
In terms of real estate, she long lived with her husband Joel Coen in a rather modest NYC apartment before recently upgrading to an $8 million home in the suburbs. She also owns a weekend cottage in upstate New York that was purchased for $1.5 million.
When it comes to vehicles, McDormand clearly does not splurge on expensive whips. Paparazzi have spotted her driving around Los Angeles in a Nissan Sentra and Toyota Prius at various times over the years. She does not seem to have any sort of luxury or sports car collection.
The star chooses to keep her life simple and maintain a humble financial profile, rather than showcasing flashy possessions like other Hollywood celebrities. Despite clearly being able to afford extravagant homes and cars, Frances McDormand’s lifestyle reflects her down-to-earth personality.
Interesting Facts About Frances McDormand’s Wealth:
- She received her first salary paycheck from acting at age 29 for a Coen Brothers film.
- McDormand won Best Actress at the Academy Awards in 1996, 2018, and 2022. Only four actresses in history have received 3 or more Oscars for acting.
- She infamously had her 2018 Best Actress Oscar stolen shortly after winning it, though it was later returned to her by the thief.
- Coen brother collaborations like “Fargo” and “Three Billboards” helped launch McDormand to stardom and financial success.
- Sources estimate she made around $10 million total between her acting salary and bonuses for starring in 2020’s indie film “Nomadland.”
- In 2002, she reportedly earned a healthy $900,000 upfront salary for starring alongside Matt Damon in “The Bourne Ultimatum.”
- McDormand lives a low-key, frugal lifestyle compared to other actors at her elite status, preferring career fulfillment over riches.
How Does Frances McDormand Spend Her Millions?
While leading an overall down-to-earth lifestyle, Frances McDormand does indulge in some luxuries befitting her $25 million net worth:
Homes
In 2019, she and her husband purchased a $8 million 4-bedroom home in the suburbs of Bronxville, NY. She also owns a weekend cottage and 35 acres of land in upstate New York that was bought for $1.5 million in 2004.
Travel & Leisure
McDormand frequently travels between her homes in New York and filming locations in Los Angeles. She is often spotted casually walking around niche neighborhoods of LA on her own going to shops and cafes.
The mega-star also unwinds by spending summers in her cottage and getting away to places like upstate Maine for relaxation when not working. Sources say she enjoys meditating, doing yoga, and surrounding herself with nature.
Philanthropy
The actress gifts some of her wealth and time to important causes close to her heart. She has donated to organizations supporting women in Hollywood and finalizing film projects related to significant historical events.
In one recent example, McDormand gifted all of her backend profits from “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund for sexual assault victims.
Modest Personal Tastes
Unlike other major celebs, you would likely never see the humble McDormand flaunting flashy designer gowns, shoes, jewelry, cars, mansions, and the like. Her personal tastes and possessions tend to be relatively simple and understated.
When her style does get press attention on awards show red carpets, fashion journalists often note how she defiantly does not use a stylist and opts for unique, affordable pieces combining comfort and artistry.
Ultimately, Frances leaves the Hollywood glitz to other stars, focusing her millions on creative film projects, cherished causes, friends and family, and a cozy low-profile lifestyle aligned to her authentic self. Her spending seems to stem from her values rather than desires for material excess.
How Much Does Frances McDormand Make a Year?
Frances McDormand’s annual earnings fluctuate year over year, mainly dependent on how many films she works on and releases. Some estimates of her annual pay in recent years are:
- 2020 – Up to $10 million
- 2021 – Around $2 million
- 2022 – Approx $5 million
To break those figures down further:
In 2020, McDormand starred in the acclaimed indie film “Nomadland,“ which went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. While her upfront acting salary was likely six figures, the actress was given special backend compensation deals allowing her to share in the film’s financial success. Nomadland grossed over $40 million globally, so with her profit participations, McDormand is estimated to have earned around $10 million total that year.
In 2021, she did not have any new major film releases. Though thanks to income streams like royalties and residuals from past work, she likely still earned around $2 million from her earlier projects.
Most recently in 2022, McDormand is estimated to have earned around $5 million. She filmed new movie “Women Talking” that year, again likely for a seven-figure salary. And continuing profits from ongoing projects contribute further to her nine-figure net worth.
So in her slower years focused more on theatre performances, McDormand may only earn a “modest” $2 million annually. But in her busier years releasing multiple acclaimed films, her annual income has recently peaked around $10 million at its height.
What Awards Has Frances McDormand Won?
One of the most acclaimed actresses of the past 30 years, Frances McDormand has won ample awards and honors across her career, including:
- 3 Academy Awards for Best Actress – the most of any living actress today
- 1996 win for Fargo
- 2018 win for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
- 2022 win for Nomadland
- 2 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- For her role in the HBO miniseries Olive Kitteridge
- 2 Tony Awards:
- Best Actress in a Play for Good People
- 2017 prize for producingBest Revival of a Play for Indecent
- 2 Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Drama & Musical/Comedy.
- Satellite Awards, SAG Awards, BAFTA Film Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, the Triple Crown of Acting, and many critics association honors.
She has also won Best Picture twice as a producer – for Twelve Years a Slave and Nomadland.
McDormand is one of only eight women in history with an “EGOT” – having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony in competitive categories.
Her trophy case of awards cements her status as one of the most acclaimed and successful actresses of all time. And her routinely powerful performances continue to resonate with audiences.
How Does Frances McDormand’s Wealth Compare to Other Actresses?
Despite her immense fame and critical success, Frances McDormand’s $25 million net worth is quite modest compared to many of her celebrity actress peers – especially those who lean more heavily into blockbuster movies and glamorous off-screen income streams.
To illustrate, here is how McDormand’s wealth stacks up to some other top Hollywood actresses:
| Actress | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Frances McDormand | $25 million |
| Julia Roberts | $250 million |
| Jennifer Lawrence | $160 million |
| Jennifer Aniston | $300 million |
| Meryl Streep | $150 million |
| Angelina Jolie | $120 million |
| Sandra Bullock | $250 million |
From endorsements to producing credits and backend movie deals, actresses starring in major commercial films and diversifying their income have grown mega-wealthy well past $100+ million.
But McDormand has prioritized critically acclaimed indie projects for passion over maximum paychecks. And she shuns promoting products or lavish off-screen spending. So her net worth lands at a mere “fraction” of those pulling in hundreds of millions through their media empires.
Yet the triple Oscar winner seems perfectly content with her affluent – but not extreme – level of wealth. Her lifestyle and career choices stem from personal fulfillment rather than chasing ultra-riches or fame for its own sake. So Frances McDormand stands in a financial class of her own among Hollywood actresses.
McDormand’s Thoughts on Wealth Inequality and Fair Pay
A fiercely principled feminist dedicated to social causes, Frances McDormand has shared choice words on the gender and racial pay gaps within Hollywood’s power structures:
In a viral 2018 Oscars speech, McDormand used her platform to demand “inclusion riders” – provisions in stars’ contracts requiring films to meet diversity hiring standards before they sign on.
She also highlighted how women in the industry are not paid commensurate to the sizable audiences and profits their art generates. “Look around, ladies and gentlemen,” she declared, “Because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed.”
During 2021’s COVID pandemic which exacerbated inequities, the actress said, “The collective loss of jobs makes this a good time to review parity in how actors and crew are paid…Those who financially benefit from our work must embrace a re-balancing toward equality.”
An ally to causes like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, McDormand realizes that her own affluence and creative opportunities stand in contrast to marginalized communities in entertainment and society at large. So she leverages her platform and privilege to speak on underrepresented voices deserving more financial upside from Hollywood’s billions.
Expect the principled artist to keep demanding more equitable, ethical deals for herself and peers as her during career soldiers on.
Conclusion
In summary, Frances McDormand has cultivated an impressive $25 million net worth largely through her acclaimed multi-decade acting career and fiercely independent creative spirit.
Rather than chasing blockbuster paychecks or off-screen fame, the humble powerhouse prioritizes compelling indie films that resonate artistically. Though make no mistake – when starring in and producing critical darlings like “Fargo,” “Three Billboards,” and “Nomadland,” she still negotiates enviable seven and eight-figure paydays thanks to profit sharing and other bonuses.
Between a handful of luxury residential properties and selective support for social causes close to her values, McDormand thoughtfully allocates her wealth to facilitate doing impactful work rather than hoarding for its own sake.
And with two Academy Awards this decade alone cementing her status as one of history’s premiere actresses, Frances McDormand’s nine-figure net worth will likely continue climbing higher as she crafts ever more indelible performances in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Frances McDormand’s first major acting role?
McDormand’s debut role came as an unhinged friend abetting a murder cover-up in the Coen Brothers’ iconic film Fargo in 1996. Her chilling, darkly comedic performance won widespread praise, catapulting her acting career as well as earning her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
How much money did Frances McDormand make from Nomadland?
Thanks to special backend compensation deals granting her a share of profits, McDormand is estimated to have earned around $10 million total for starring in and producing the 2020 indie film Nomadland. This includes an upfront acting fee in the low-to-mid six figures combined with ample bonuses from the movie’s financial success.
What car does Frances McDormand drive?
Despite her wealth, McDormand does not spend lavishly on luxury vehicles. When spotted out by paparazzi over the years, she primarily drives sensible cars like her Nissan Sentra and Toyota Prius around Los Angeles to stay under the radar.
Where does Frances McDormand currently live?
McDormand resides primarily in a $8 million 4-bedroom home in Bronxville, NY purchased in 2019. She also owns a weekend cottage and 35 acres of countryside land in upstate New York purchased in 2004 for $1.5 million.
How much money does Frances McDormand make per movie?
While McDormand’s per-film acting fees have increased over her long tenure, recent estimates report she earns high six-figures to low seven-figures upfront. For example, she likely earned around $900k for 2002’s The Bourne Ultimatum. With backend profit deals, as seen in Nomadland, her total compensation per movie can rise to $10 million or more.
