Jolie Dethrones Oprah On Forbes List

(CBS/AP)  Angelina Jolie has dethroned Oprah Winfrey as the world's most powerful celebrity, according to Forbes magazine.

The actress grabbed the No. 1 spot from the talk show queen on the magazine's annual Celebrity 100 list, which ranks the rich and famous based on media exposure and career earnings over the past year.

Jolie, a reigning tabloid fixture, earned $27 million, bumping her up from third place on last year's list, Forbes said, adding that she wields more power due to high-profile turns in hit films such as "Wanted" and "Kung Fu Panda."

At No. 2, Winfrey is still the highest earner -- $275 million.

Matthew Miller, a senior editor of told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen Thursday on the show that Angelina Jolie beat out Oprah because of the "fame factor."

"Angelina Jolie is far more famous than Oprah Winfrey on a daily basis. You're always hearing about her in the press, you're seeing her on magazine covers. She has a fame factor of 20 to 1 versus Oprah," Miller said. "And so she becomes much more powerful."

Miller said, to Forbes, money plus fame equals power. He explained the ranking is based on entertainment earnings, the fame element, and how often a figure is in the press.

Madonna came in third. Miller said she ranked high because of her tour, which grossed the highest earnings last year, and for her rumored affair with Alex Rodriguez that has kept her ever-present in the tabloids.

Beyonce came in next. Featured on the cover, Miller said she's milking her fame for all it's worth. He said she's singing, dancing, doing tours and endorsements, and even producing a fashion line.

"The business of celebrity is get famous," he told Chen, "and milk it as much as you can before you stop being famous."

Tiger Woods, Bruce Springsteen and Steven Spielberg come in next on the Forbes list.

Two other celebs tied up in Jolie's tabloid universe -- Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt -- came in at eighth and ninth place, respectively.

Tenth place goes to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, thanks in part to endorsement deals scored after the Beijing Olympics.

About halfway down the list sits a very familiar face: President Barack Obama. At No. 49, Obama's the first sitting head of state to appear on this Forbes fixture because of his worldwide fame, his historic election and his career as a best-selling author.

Newcomers to the list: Alec Baldwin (No. 91); Meryl Streep (No. 64); Toby Keith (No. 59); Rascal Flatts (No. 42); and teen singing superstar Taylor Swift (No. 69).

Although he's one of the biggest acts in entertainment, Justin Timberlake went from 12th to falling off the list completely, since ending his lucrative "FutureSex/LoveShow" concert tour.

Jennifer Lopez, Johnny Depp and Tyra Banks also dropped off the list.

Miller also talked about the return of the "Infamy Index," which featured Alex Rodriguez at the top for his ongoing media attention for steroid abuse, a rumored affair with Madonna, and divorce.

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To see the Forbes article with the complete list and details on the selections, click here.

[ampsanne]

Some of you are forgetting this is not a beauty contest, it's to what they are worth. So Jolie is worth more than Oprah? Who cares? The average Joe doesn't! What gets me is that they dole out their money to other countries when they should be helping out those in the U.S.A. I know Oprah has helped out people here, but the fact remains to be seen that their are people homeless, starving right here in our country and their not being helped. Our own government doesn't seem to be helping either. Helping out other countries, when they should be paying attention to their own people. Don't forget you big stars some day you'll be coming down from your high horse after your star has shone.

[spiritwalk]

Jolie is a POS and not worthy to be mentioned in the presence of Oprah and many others on the list.
Posted by mjb89
.................................................

Princess Diana and Mother Theresa were buried on the same day.

What is your most vivid memory of Mother Theresas funeral?

(we are all guilty of false idol worship are we not?)

[Solarrays247]

"which university was it that refused to present President Obama with an honorary doctorate when he spoke at their commencement excercise? Their excuse was that he had not accomplished enough? Alrighty then!"

Posted by Solarrays247

What exactly has he accomplished?
Oh yes. He got elected by having the entire media as part of his campaign and outspending McCain 5 to 1. Wow. Charles Manson could have gotten elected with those advantages.
Never ran so much as a corner grocery.
Was a "community organizer" (aka rabble rouser).
Wrote two books both about himself (complete narcissist)
I can't believe he made the list at all (and wouldn't have if the press wasn't smitten with him)
Posted by ritewingman at 4:54 AM : Jun 4, 2009


*smirk* Since you appear to be one of those "18" percenters....I'll feel free to view your comment with a grain of salt....ie: of no value, ie: passe', ie: out of touch!

;=)

[1notrub11]

Who cares? With most people struggling economically, throwing this in their face is hardly productive, much less news.
Its a bit like calling a baseball team champion with a record of 99 and 1 vs the opponent with a record of 98 and 2.

[mjb89]

Jolie is a POS and not worthy to be mentioned in the presence of Oprah and many others on the list.

[sly_64]

What a nonsense BS article !! Why does this matter ???? I avoid watching Oprah and Jolie anyway.

[rational_1]

So where is Michelle Obama on the list ?
Surely she really outranks both Oprah and Angelina.
In reality.
Posted by erb0087 at 10:57 PM : Jun 3, 2009

For what exactly? Riding hubby's coattails into the White House? Not having flabby triceps? What exactly has SHE done to merit any celebrity? Ya, ya, I know B.O. is a celebrity, what with crippling our children and grandchildren with obscene debts, but back to Michelle. She hasn't done anything to merit inclusion on this list.

[gangesdak]

List of parasites topped by the best(!)

[Dgunner]

Neither one of these women can hold a candle to the talent of Meryl Streep. Ever!

[u-r-right]

I casn't stnd either of them.