Sandra Bullock tops Forbes' list of highest-paid actresses

Sandra Bullock once called making "Gravity" her "best life decision," and it looks like starring in the film has paid off at the bank.

The 50-year-old Oscar-winner now finds herself in the top spot on Forbes' list of the highest earning actresses of 2014.

Most of Bullock's estimated $51 million in earnings over the last year came from her salary on the Alfonso Cuaron space drama, which took in $716 million at the international box office.

"American Hustle" actress Jennifer Lawrence came in at a distant second on the Forbes list, bringing in roughly $34 million. The 23-year-old actress could find herself in the No. 1 spot next year thanks to her work on the latest "Hunger Games" sequel.

"Friends" star Jennifer Aniston was third on this year's list with $31 million. The bulk of her pay lately has been coming from raunchy comedies like "We're The Millers" and "Horrible Bosses."

Thanks to her starring turn in "Iron Man 3," as well as endorsement deals from Max Factor and Hugo Boss, Gwyneth Paltrow ranks fourth on the list, having pulled in an estimated $19 million in earnings.

The current partner of Aniston's ex Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, rounds out the top five in a tie with Cameron Diaz. Jolie was at the top of the Forbes list in 2013, thanks mostly to her "Maleficient" salary, and she's expected to rise again next year when the massive box office profits from the Disney film are factored into her earnings.

The financial magazine notes that female Hollywood stars are earning far less than their male counterparts.

The top 10 highest-earning actors this year made a combined $419 million, while the 10 best-paid actresses took in less than half of that total.

Forbes' complete list of highest earning actresses can be found here.