Lights, Camera… Sponsorship!
Celebrity endorsements done't always work, but when they do the results can be pure marketing magic. From sleek car ads to quirky snack spots, these actor-brand pairings have gone beyond the screen to boost both visibility and sales.
Let’s take a fun spin through the most successful actor-brand endorsements. We don't know how much the stars were paid for all of them, but whatever it was....It was worth it.
George Clooney (Nespresso)
George Clooney’s long-time partnership with Nespresso is a true masterclass in suave branding. His charming delivery and refined image perfectly match the coffee giant’s upscale vibe. And the tagline: “Nespresso. What else?” has became iconic. Clooney didn't just help Nespresso boost brand recognition around the world. The man even sits on Nespresso’s sustainability advisory board.
Jennifer Aniston (Aveeno)
Jennifer Aniston’s radiant skin and wholesome image made her the ideal face for Aveeno skincare. She brought credibility to the brand, and with her endorsement, the company saw quite a significant boost in sales—and as a result, Aniston has been one of Aveeno's most enduring ambassadors.
Michael Bernard Aveeno - Jennifer Anniston, Believe Media
Matthew McConaughey (Lincoln)
Matthew McConaughey’s philosophical Lincoln ads became meme-worthy hits, but they worked. Lincoln’s brand image got a much-needed refresh, and sales jumped 25% the year after his campaign launched. Now that's alright, alright, alright.
Matthew McConaughey's New Lincoln Ad | CONAN on TBS, Team Coco
Nicole Kidman (Chanel No. 5)
Nicole Kidman’s dreamy, Baz Luhrmann–directed ads for Chanel No. 5 were more like mini movies than commercials. Kidman’s elegance fit perfectly with Chanel’s iconic fragrance, and the campaign became one of the most expensive—and most talked about—perfume ads of all time.
CHANEL N°5, the film with Nicole Kidman – CHANEL Fragrance, CHANEL
Scarlett Johansson (Dolce & Gabbana)
Scarlett Johansson brought old Hollywood glam to Dolce & Gabbana’s fragrance line. The sultry campaigns, alongside co-star Matthew McConaughey, oozed sophistication and charm. Her presence helped reinvigorate the brand’s beauty division and added extra allure to the product.
Sofia Vergara (Head & Shoulders)
Sofia Vergara’s bubbly personality and luxurious locks made her a perfect match for Head & Shoulders. The campaign was both funny and effective, driving home the point that dandruff shampoo can be glamorous, too. The brand saw a strong uptick in engagement thanks to her endorsement.
Head & Shoulders - Dry Scalp Care for the Winter ft. Sofia Vergara TV Commercial 2017, OzLandTV
Daniel Craig (Omega)
As James Bond, Daniel Craig wore Omega watches on-screen—and off-screen, he became one of their most visible ambassadors. The association with 007 gave Omega a cool, adventurous edge, and watch sales got a noticeable Bond-boost with each film release.
The Seamaster Diver 300M and Daniel Craig | OMEGA, OMEGA
Charlize Theron (Dior J’adore)
Charlize Theron’s golden goddess ads for Dior J’adore have become iconic. Her elegance, power, and presence aligned beautifully with Dior’s high-fashion fragrance line. Did you realize that the campaign has run for over a decade? Now if that isn't a testament to its success and Theron’s star appeal, we don't know what is.
J'adore - Dior Official Advertising - Charlize Theron, Avvenice
Brad Pitt (Brioni)
Brad Pitt’s understated elegance brought major cachet to Brioni, the luxury menswear brand. His classic good looks helped Brioni cement its status as a go-to label for refined masculinity (especially after red carpet appearances and high-profile shoots).
The Brioni 'BP Signature' Collection, in collaboration with Brad Pitt, Brioni
Gal Gadot (Revlon)
Gal Gadot became a face of Revlon as part of their “Live Boldly” campaign—an empowering message that matched her Wonder Woman image. Her fresh, global appeal helped modernize Revlon’s image and introduced it to younger audiences around the world.
Gal Gadot - Revlon, Allure Beauty tv
Dwayne Johnson (Under Armour)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Under Armour are a power-lifting dream team. His “Project Rock” gear line became a bestseller, and Johnson’s intense workouts and motivational brand fit perfectly with UA’s athletic identity. It’s one of Under Armour’s most successful collaborations ever.
Dwayne Johnson: Build The Belief. Project Rock | Under Armour Campaign, The Rock
Natalie Portman (Miss Dior)
Natalie Portman’s ethereal presence and timeless beauty made her the face of Miss Dior, bringing elegance and grace to the fragrance. The campaign’s romantic visuals and strong messaging helped the perfume remain a top seller globally.
Miss Dior | The new Eau de Parfum | Commercial 2017 | Natalie Portman, Nat Portman Italia
Chris Hemsworth (Hugo Boss)
Thor meets tailored—Chris Hemsworth’s sleek Hugo Boss campaigns blended rugged charm with high fashion. His partnership brought younger, style-conscious buyers to the brand, and boosted sales in key markets, especially among men’s fragrances and suiting.
Chris Hemsworth for the New BOSS Bottled Eau de Parfum | BOSS Fragrances, BOSS
Emma Stone (Louis Vuitton)
Emma Stone’s quirky elegance made her a standout ambassador for Louis Vuitton. Whether in red carpet gowns or magazine spreads, she gave the heritage brand a youthful, modern edge. Her campaigns earned widespread praise and attracted fashion-forward fans.
Emma Stone for Women's Fall-Winter 2023 | LOUIS VUITTON, Louis Vuitton
Idris Elba (Gucci)
Exuding confidence, class, and just the right amount of swagger—Idris Elba has fronted multiple campaigns for Gucci. His association with the company elevated the brand’s profile and reinvigorated its status as both timeless and trendsetting.
It’s Gucci Time with Idris Elba | GUCCI 25H, GUCCI
Julia Roberts (Lancôme)
Julia Roberts’ mega smile became a central focus of Lancôme’s campaigns, especially for the La Vie Est Belle fragrance. She is one of the biggest stars Hollywood has ever known and she no doubt helped broaden Lancôme’s appeal, and drive strong international sales.
Julia Roberts SHUTS DOWN Paris Landmark for Lancôme Shoot — First Look!, extratv
John Travolta (Qantas)
A certified pilot, John Travolta was more than just a face for Qantas—he was a full-on aviation ambassador. His passion for flying added authenticity to the campaign, which helped Qantas promote safety, luxury, and trust on international routes.
John Travolta Flies His Qantas Jet, King Rose Archives
Keanu Reeves (Saint Laurent)
Keanu Reeves stunned fans by starring in Saint Laurent’s edgy black-and-white campaigns. His cool mystique and cult following gave the fashion house serious indie credibility, especially among younger fans seeking understated style.
Keanu Reeves // Painting Greys, Ioanna Koliofoti
Zendaya (Lancôme)
With her youth appeal, diversity, and cultural influence, Zendaya helped Lancôme reach Gen Z and millennial audiences more effectively than ever.
LANCOME Idole I Interview with ZENDAYA, Douglas Lietuva
Leonardo DiCaprio (Tag Heuer)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-conscious image and classic style paired well with Tag Heuer’s luxury timepieces. His campaigns emphasized precision and environmental responsibility, reinforcing the brand’s premium positioning with purpose.
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Viola Davis (L'Oréal)
When Viola Davis said, “Because I’m worth it,” we believed her (and we believed we were worth it also). Her powerful presence in L’Oréal campaigns signaled a strong move toward inclusivity and authenticity. She became a symbol of empowerment within the beauty market.
Lesson of Worth - Viola Davis | L'Oréal Paris® Australia & NZ, L'Oréal Paris Australia
Timothée Chalamet (Chanel Bleu)
Timothée Chalamet was the first male face of the Chanel Bleu fragrance. His ethereal presence and trendsetting appeal gave Chanel a bold, youth-oriented refresh in the world of men’s scents.
Timothée Chalamet: France/USA interview — BLEU DE CHANEL, CHANEL
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