Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has topped the list of female actresses paid the most money, at least in the past 12 months. "The Hunger Games" starlet has been making waves in the industry ever since she turned out a mesmerizing performance in the novel adaptation, which was quickly followed up with a string of hit films, according to Forbes.

Lawrence would go on to star in the 2012 hit comedy "Silver Linings Playbook" alongside Bradley Cooper ("American Sniper"), which would eventually earn her an Oscar and lead her to a startling rise in the industry amongst its most sought after celebrities.

A teen idol for some and a raw visceral actress for others, Lawrence seemed to be the exception to the rule that has plagued Academy Award-winning actors in the past. A curse, according to CNBC, has been rumored to take a bite out of the careers of those who had earned the accolade, with actors like Cuba Gooding Jr. and Mira Sorvino seeing their careers sink after winning the prestigious award.

But Lawrence has only seen her star brighten, staring in three subsequent "Hunger Games" films and many other critically acclaimed films, which included the 2013 hit "American Hustle."

Lawrence brought in $52 million pre-tax dollars over the past 12 months. In a distant second place was "Avengers" actress Scarlett Johansson with $35.5 million, followed by "Tammy" actress Melissa McCarthy at $23 million.

But in terms of gender equality in Hollywood, Robert Downey Jr. raked in an estimated $80 million, which makes Lawrence's haul pale in comparison.

The total payout for the list of highest paid female actress was $281 million. The earnings of the highest paid male actors totaled $941 million, leaving a gaping hole of $660 million between the two genders.

Nevertheless, Lawrence's star power continues to shine with many roles on the horizon, which include another stint on the "X-Men" franchise and other films that are expected to hit the awards circuit.