Jennifer Lawrence loses top Hollywood rich-list spot to Emma Stone

According to Forbes, Emma Stone has replaced Jennifer Lawrence as Hollywood's highest-paid star. Photo/AP

Emma Stone is the world's highest-paid actress, according to Forbes magazine.

The 28-year-old star - who appeared in the musical romance La La Land in 2016 - made US$26 million (NZ$36m) in the last 12 months, thereby taking her past the earnings of Jennifer Lawrence, who claimed the top spot last year and in 2015.

Emma Stone, right, with Ryan Gosling in a scene from La La Land.

Stone was followed on the list by former Friends actress Jennifer Aniston, who made as much as US$25.5 million over the same 12-month period, while Lawrence placed third with US$24 million.

Melissa McCarthy and Mila Kunis came in fourth and fifth places respectively, with 'Beauty and the Beast' actress Emma Watson in sixth.

In total, three women broke through the US$20 million barrier this year, down from four a year earlier.

Confirmation of Stone's place at the top of the list comes shortly after the flame-haired star spoke out about the gender pay gap in Hollywood.

Stone said she hopes she can one day use her voice to help stamp out sexism for good.

She explained: "There is so much power to our voices, and we need to speak out. That's something that I struggled with in the past, but it's very hard not to feel galvanized right now, politically or consciously.

"Nobody is going down without a fight - for love and humanity and equality and coming together. It's so inspiring to see marches and beautiful writing and creative work.

"There's so much power and a grace coming out of so many people who have so much to lose, and the human spirit is incredible."

And Stone believes the "fight" for equality will ultimately prove to be worthwhile.

She said: "[Equality is] worth a fight every day. And I want to learn how to fight better."

- Bang! Showbiz