Home Tags Posts tagged with "forbes list"

forbes list

0

Johnny Depp has topped Forbes magazine’s list of Hollywood’s Most Overpaid Actors of 2015.

The list, based on the last three movies in which those included starred before June, revealed Johnny Depp returned only $1.20 for every $1 he was paid.

Johnny Depp’s comedy Mortdecai only made back $47.4 million of its $60 million production budget.

The actor’s 2014 sci-fi thriller Transcendence, meanwhile, only just made back its costs.

Denzel Washington is ranked second on the list, returning $6.50 on every dollar.

Will Ferrell, who topped the list in 2009 and 2010, is third this time after only bringing in $6.80 for every $1 spent on him on Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and The Campaign.

That was just ahead of Liam Neeson, whose fourth place is down to the success of Taken 3 cancelling out Run All Night.

According to Forbes magazine, the latter thriller cost $50 million and made $71.6 million back.

Adam Sandler, named the most overpaid actor in each of the past two years, was considered ineligible in 2015 after signing a four-film deal with streaming service Netflix.Johnny Depp most overpaid actor 2015

Chris Evans was Forbes‘ best value actor of 2015. The Captain America actor’s movies returned an average $181.80 for every $1 he was paid.

Each of an actor’s three major movies up to June 2015 are counted in the list.

The only films which are not used for the basis of the survey are animated releases, ones where the actor only appeared in a minor role, or those which were released on fewer than 2,000 screens.

Forbes then take the estimated production budget away from the global box office returns for each film to work out each one’s operating income.

That figure is then added to the estimated total fee for each star across their three films to discover the final figure for return on investment.

Four actresses fill the next four places in the best value list.

Mila Kunis comes second with an $87.30 return on every dollar, while Scarlett Johansson, whose last three major movies grossed a combined $2.58 billion, is third.

Gwyneth Paltrow, whose appearance in Iron Man 3 more than made up for her contribution to Mortdecai, is ranked fourth.

Last year’s winner, Emma Stone, comes fifth, with the disappointing performance of Aloha balanced out by 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Most overpaid actors 2015 (per $):

  1. Johnny Depp – $1.20
  2. Denzel Washington – $6.50
  3. Will Ferrell – $6.80
  4. Liam Neeson – $7.80
  5. Will Smith – $8.60
  6. Christian Bale – $9.20
  7. Channing Tatum – $10.80
  8. Brad Pitt – $12
  9. Ben Affleck – $12.30
  10. Tom Cruise – $13.60

Best value actors 2015 (per $):

  1. Chris Evans – $181.80
  2. Mila Kunis – $87.30
  3. Scarlett Johansson – $84.90
  4. Gwyneth Paltrow – $82.90
  5. Emma Stone – $54
  6. Chris Hemsworth – $42.10
  7. Vin Diesel – $40.30
  8. Jennifer Lawrence – $39.10
  9. Mark Wahlberg – $37.90
  10. Dwayne Johnson – $28.10

0

Jerry Seinfeld has topped this year’s Forbes list of highest-paid comedians, with estimated earnings of $36 million in 2015.

It is the fourth year Jerry Seinfeld, 61, has topped the list thanks to syndication deals for his show Seinfeld, live tours and the series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

Kevin Hart’s roles propelled him to second place with $28.5 million.

In third place with $21.5 million is ventriloquist and impressionist Terry Fator – a former winner of America’s Got Talent who has been dubbed “the human jukebox”. He is in the middle of a five-year residency at Las Vegas’ Mirage Hotel, reported to be worth $100 million.

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and Canadian Russell Peters are in joint fourth with $19 million, while Aziz Ansari is in sixth place with $9.5 million.

Louis CK is in seventh with $9 million, Gabriel Iglesias is in eighth with $8.5 million, John Bishop on ninth with $8 million and Dave Chappelle rounds out the top ten with $7.5 million.

To make the list, the comics’ primary source of income has to be from ticket sales.

Jerry Seinfeld previously topped the list in 2013 for the third year in a row, although there was no list in 2014.Jerry Seinfeld highest paid comedian Forbes

His earnings also took him to number 62 in the magazine’s Celebrity 100 in 2015.

Jerry Seinfeld is expected to earn more in future years, following a recent deal with streaming service Hulu which is reported to have paid $160 million for the rights to Seinfeld.

Forbes’ List of Highest-Paid Comedians 2015:

  1. Jerry Seinfeld: $36 million
  2. Kevin Hart: $28.5 million
  3. Terry Fator: $21.5 million
  4. Jeff Dunham $19 million*
  5. Russell Peters: $19 million*
  6. Aziz Ansari: $9.5 million
  7. Louis C.K. $9 million
  8. Gabriel Iglesias: $8.5 million
  9. John Bishop: $8 million
  10. Dave Chappelle: $7.5 million

0

Adam Sandler has topped Forbes‘ Most Overpaid Actor List for a second year in a row.

Adam Sandler came ahead of Johnny Depp and Ben Stiller, who complete the top three, to pick up the honor.

The rankings were decided by Forbes magazine after comparing actors’ estimated pay with the budget and revenue of the last three films they starred in before June 2014.

Animated films and cameos were not included in the list.

Although Adam Sandler’s latest film Grown Ups 2 took $246 million at the global box office, it didn’t make up for the more disappointing takings of 48-year-old’s previous releases, Jack and Jill and That’s My Boy.

It’s estimated that for every $1 Adam Sandler was paid, he returned an average of $3.20.Adam Sandler tops Forbes list of most overpaid actor

By comparison, Emma Stone – who topped Forbes‘ 2013 best actors for the buck list – returned an estimated $80.70 for every $1 she was paid for her last three movies.

Johnny Depp, 51, is second on the 2014 overpaid list, returning an average of $4.10 for each dollar he was paid.

His average was lowered by recent films The Lone Ranger and Dark Shadows.

Ben Stiller is number three on the list.

His estimated return of $4.80 owes itself to Tower Heist and The Watch not performing too well at the box office.

The top five is completed by Ryan Reynolds, with a return of $4.90 for each dollar paid, and Oscar winner Tom Hanks, who pulled in a $5.20 return.

According to Forbes, Cloud Atlas – which sees Tom Hanks taking on six roles – was an expensive flop for the actor.

Will Ferrell ($6.60), Channing Tatum ($6.70), Denzel Washington ($6.90) and Ben Affleck ($9.37) also appear in the top 10.

Sandra Bullock is the only actress to appear on the list, coming in ninth with a return of $9. Like Channing Tatum, Sandra Bullock is not considered overpaid by Hollywood standards, she lands here because of math. Huge backend payments on The Blind Side and Gravity make Sandra Bullock look overpaid.

[youtube X1r8CLKk6zQ 650]

0

Beyonce has topped Forbes’ Highest-Paid Women In Music List in 2014 with more than $115 million.

Beyonce had the “biggest year of her career”, playing 95 shows, bringing in an average $2.4 million per city, according to Forbes magazine.

Endorsement deals with companies like Pepsi and H&M, along with the surprise album she released in December 2013, helped Beyonce to the top spot.

The self-titled album was released on iTunes with no prior promotion.

Beyonce has just announced she’ll be releasing a platinum version of that album later this month, which will include new songs and a concert video.

Taylor Swift came in second on the Forbes list, taking home an estimated $64 million.

Completing the top three is Pink, who played 85 dates during the time period Forbes used to make its estimates.

Beyonce has topped Forbes’ Highest-Paid Women In Music List in 2014

Beyonce has topped Forbes’ Highest-Paid Women In Music List in 2014

Her earnings were valued at $52 million.

Other artists on the list include Rihanna in fourth with $48 million and Katy Perry, who took home $40 million, in fifth.

Forbes calculated earnings by looking at income from “touring, record sales, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements and other ventures” between June 2013 and June 2014.

They also interviewed managers, lawyers and executives and looked at data from organizations such as Nielsen SoundScan.

Some of the high-profile artists who missed out on a spot in the top 10 included Madonna, Nicki Minaj and Alicia Keys.

Top-earning women in music:

1. Beyonce – $115 million

2. Taylor Swift – $64 million

3. Pink – $52 million

4. Rihanna – $48 million

5. Katy Perry – $40 million

6. Jennifer Lopez – $37 million

=7. Miley Cyrus – $36 million

=7. Celine Dion – $36 million

9. Lady Gaga – $33 million

10. Britney Spears – $20 million

Source: Forbes

[youtube Q3bFMpFCFn8 650]

0

Dr Dre has topped Forbes list as the highest paid hip-hop artist, ousting Sean “Diddy” Combs from the top spot.

Dr Dre’s $620 million earnings in the last 12 months are the highest of any musician ever evaluated by Forbes magazine.

His total eclipses the mere $60 million earned by Jay-Z, 44, and Diddy, 44, who tied in second place with earnings from drinks, clothing and television deals.

In fact, Dr Dre’s takings are more than the combined income of all the other 24 names on the list.

Dr Dre has topped Forbes list as the highest paid hip-hop artist

Dr Dre has topped Forbes list as the highest paid hip-hop artist

Much of the 49-year-old’s earnings this year came thanks to the $3 billion sale to Apple of the Beats high-end headphone company he founded with music executive Jimmy Iovine and other financial ventures, including cognac and vodka brands.

Drake came in fourth with $33 million which will keep him happy, having told Forbes “if I’m not on your list, I’d be gravely disappointed” in 2013.

Seattle duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s $32 million takes the last slot in the top five, edging out Kanye West’s $30 million.

Birdman’s $24 million, Lil Wayne’s $23 million and the $22 million wealth of Pharrell Williams place them above Eminem who earned an estimated $18 million to complete the top 10.

Nicki Minaj is the only female on the list having taken an estimated $14 million despite her departure from American Idol and lack of tour dates.

To form the list, Forbes considered income from touring, record sales, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements and other ventures.

0

Sandra Bullock has topped the Forbes‘ List Of Highest Earning Actresses in 2014 taking home an estimated $51 million.

Sandra Bullock brought in $716 million in global box office takings and was a hit with critics.

Jennifer Lawrence is second on the list with a reported $34 million thanks to her share in Hunger Games.

Jennifer Aniston ranks third highest earning with $31 million after her role in Horrible Bosses.

Despite Sandra Bullock’s large pay packet, women are still earning less than men in Hollywood.

Forbes reports that the top 10 women on the list earned $216 million combined, which is almost half of the $419 million that the top 10 actors brought home.

Robert Downey Jr. is number one on the male list with $75 million earnings for the second year in a row thanks to the Iron Man trilogy and Avengers films.

Sandra Bullock has topped the Forbes' List Of Highest Earning Actresses in 2014

Sandra Bullock has topped the Forbes’ List Of Highest Earning Actresses in 2014 (photo Getty Images)

Gwyneth Paltrow is fourth place with $19 million due to her role in Iron Man 3 with Robert Downey Jr. and her work with Max Factor and Hugo Boss.

Last year’s top earner Angelina Jolie came in fifth with $18 million.

Forbes says that it measures the figures by talking to agents, producers and lawyers to work out how much each celebrity earned from entertainment-related work during the 12-month time period between June 2013 and June 2014.

They didn’t deduct cash for taxes, agent fees or the other costs of being a celebrity.

Forbes highest-earning actresses 2014:

1. Sandra Bullock – $51 million

2. Jennifer Lawrence – $34 million

3. Jennifer Aniston – $31 million

4. Gwyneth Paltrow – $19 million

5. Angelina Jolie – $18 million

6. Cameron Diaz – $18 million

7. Scarlett Johansson – $17 million

8. Amy Adams – $13 million

9. Natalie Portman – $13 million

10. Kristen Stewart – $12 million

[youtube RZNmbQysMWg 650]

0

Forbes magazine has named Robert Downey Jr. as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor for the second year in a row.

The Forbes annual list put Robert Downey Jr., 49, on top with earnings totaling around $75 million.

The majority of Robert Downey Jr. ‘s pay between June 2013 to June 2014 came from his role in the latest film in the franchise, Iron Man 3.

Iron Man 3, which was released in May last year, made $1.2 billion at the box office.

“As Iron Man, he’s the driving force behind four of Marvel’s biggest hits, including The Avengers,” Forbes.com said.

Forbes magazine has named Robert Downey Jr. as Hollywood's highest-paid actor for the second year in a row

Forbes magazine has named Robert Downey Jr. as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor for the second year in a row (photo Getty Images)

Former pro-wrestler Dwayne Johnson, or The Rock, has jumped from fifth to second place.

Dwayne Johnson, 42, is estimated to have made $52 million after starring in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the Fast and Furious films.

Hangover star Bradley Cooper placed third, bringing in $46 million over the last year.

Leonardo DiCaprio was ranked fourth after starring in two major films.

It’s thought The Wolf of Wall Street, which made $395 million worldwide, and The Great Gatsby earned the 39-year-old an estimated $39 million.

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth completed the top five with $37 million.

Forbes magazine produces its rankings and estimated earnings by talking to managers, producers and agents.

[youtube Kc0VyEUrNdM 650]

0

Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams.

The Spanish soccer club, which won the Champions League in May, is worth an estimated $3.44 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The top three slots are occupied by football clubs, with Barcelona in second place at $3.2 billion, and Manchester United third, with a value of $2.81 billion.

Forbes calculated the value of the teams based on equity, debt and stadium deals.

Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams

Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams

MLB baseball team the New York Yankees were in fourth spot, valued at $2.5 billion.

In fifth place is NFL team the Dallas Cowboys, worth $2.3 billion.

NFL teams fill 60% of the top 50 slots, occupying 30 places.

The 20 non-NFL teams in the top 50 include six from MLB, eight from football, four from NBA basketball, one from the NHL ice hockey league and one from Formula 1 motor racing.

Forbes calculates that the average value of the top 50 teams is $1.34 billion, an 8% increase on last year.

Baseball team the New York Mets are one of three teams that dropped off this year’s list of the top 50.

The other two to fall out of the list are also familiar names, the Oakland Raiders from the NFL and F1 team McLaren.

0
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates is back on top of Forbes’ annual ranking of global billionaires, reclaiming the title of world’s richest person from telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico, who ranked No. 1 for the past four years.

Microsoft founder’s total net worth was estimated at $76 billion this year, up from $67 billion in 2013.

His rise in wealth knocked Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim off the top spot into second place.

In total, there were a record 1,645 billionaires, according to Forbes magazine.

The funds needed to make it into the top 20 ranking are now $31 billion, up from $23 billion last year, Forbes said.

Bill Gates has been top of the list for 15 of the last 20 years, according to Forbes.

Technology firms featured heavily in the list, with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg becoming the biggest gainer in net worth.

Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune more than doubled to $28.5 billion, boosted by a sharp rise in the price of the social network’s shares.

The social network’s chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, also made the list for the first time.

WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton entered the list at number 202 and 551 respectively, thanks to Facebook’s $19 billion purchase of the messaging app.

The world’s largest economy, the US, continues to have the most billionaires, with 492.

By region, Europe boasted the most billionaires outside the US, with 468 in total, closely followed by Asia, which had 444 billionaires.

The list suggested that wealth was spreading, with four new countries featuring for the first time – Algeria, Lithuania, Tanzania and Uganda.

Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, became the first African to be listed in the top 25, with a net worth of $25 billion.

0

Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million, beating Lady Gaga.

Madonna, 55, made $125 million from June 2012 to June 2013, according to Forbes magazine.

The singer made her money through her MDNA world tour, merchandise sales, a clothing line and a brand of perfume.

Lady Gaga, 27, earned $80 million in the same period with Bon Jovi, Toby Keith and Coldplay in third, fourth and fifth spots.

She made most of her money though her Born This Way Ball tour before she injured her hip and cancelled the remaining dates.

Hip-hop artist Sean “Diddy” Combs is 11th on the list because of his vodka business while rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z is in 18th spot.

DJs Calvin Harris and Tiesto are in 13th and 25th.

Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World's Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million

Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million

Hip-hop artist Dr Dre topped Forbes‘ highest-paid musicians list last year but is down to 20th place this time.

The top 25 is put together by using data from Pollstar, the RIAA, Nielsen SoundScan, managers, lawyers and artists.

Concert ticket sales, royalties for recorded music and publishing, merchandise sales, endorsement deals and other business ventures are also taken into account.

Estimates reflect pre-tax income before fees for agents, managers and lawyers are deducted and ranges from 1 June 2012 to 1 June 2013.

Only living artists are eligible for the list.

Top 10 highest-paid musicians

  1. Madonna – $125 million
  2. Lady Gaga – $80 million
  3. Bon Jovi – $79 million
  4. Toby Keith – $65 million
  5. Coldplay – $64 million
  6. Justin Bieber – $58 million
  7. Taylor Swift – $55 million
  8. Elton John – $54 million
  9. Beyonce – $53 million    9. Kenny Chesney – $53 million

0

Simon Cowell tops Forbes magazine’s list of highest-earning TV personalities in 2012-13 after raking $95 million in just 12 months.

Simon Cowell, 53, was tied with radio and television presenter Howard Stern, who is also host on America’s Got Talent, reported the New York Post.

The X Factor now airs in 41 countries around the world, and Got Talent has become the biggest selling franchise, spreading to Afghanistan and Vietnam.

Simon Cowell recently hit the headlines when it was announced that he is to have a baby with married socialite Lauren Silverman.

Simon Cowell tops Forbes magazine’s list of highest-earning TV personalities in 2012-13 after raking $95 million in just 12 months

Simon Cowell tops Forbes magazine’s list of highest-earning TV personalities in 2012-13 after raking $95 million in just 12 months

Lauren Silverman, 36, who is 11 weeks’ pregnant with the pop mogul’s child, has made it clear to friends that it is her intention to marry Simon Cowell as soon as her divorce comes through.

Her brother-in-law, Alexander Silverman, insisted that news of her pregnancy constituted a breach of trust by Simon Cowell, as he had been close friends with both Lauren and millionaire husband Andrew.

Simon Cowell, who is worth an estimated $305 million, insisted he will do everything he can to support and provide for his child after the news broke that Lauren Silverman is expecting.

Also on the Forbes list was Oprah Winfrey who made $77 million, down from her $165 million in 2011/12.

The Apprentice host Donald Trump also appeared, raking in $63 million in just one year.

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest ($61 million), Ellen DeGeneres ($56 million) and Judge Judy Sheindlin ($47 million) also made the list of top TV earners.

Phil McGraw came fifth as he managed to make $72 million from his Dr Phil daytime television.

0

Forbes magazine reveals that Angelina Jolie pocketed a cool $33 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

That figure is $13 million more than her earnings last year, giving Angelina Jolie, 38, the top spot above a wealth of talent on Forbes annual list of Hollywood’s Highest Paid Actresses.

Angelina Jolie’s achievement is made even more impressive considering she hasn’t been seen on the cinema screen for three years, since her critical flop The Tourist in 2010.

Instead Angelina Jolie has been concentrating on her directing and writing career with her film In The Land of Blood and Honey debuting in 2011.

Next summer will see Angelina Jolie return to her acting roots with comeback flick Maleficent, for which she will pocket $15 million.

Angelina Jolie managed to pull in $9 million more than the second actress on the list, The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence.

Jennifer Lawrence, 22, may have only been paid $1 million for her first turn as Katniss Everdeen, but thanks to a massive box office total of $690 million for the first film, she’s set to get a substantial pay rise for the next movie in the franchise, Catching Fire.

Last year’s queen bee Kristen Stewart has suffered the effects of her huge franchise The Twilight Saga coming to an end, as she could only manage third spot in the 2012/2013 list.

Last year Kristen Stewart, 23, banked $34.5 million thanks to Bella Swan, but a year later could only rake in $22 million.

Forbes magazine reveals that Angelina Jolie pocketed a cool $33 million between June 2012 and June 2013

Forbes magazine reveals that Angelina Jolie pocketed a cool $33 million between June 2012 and June 2013

Jennifer Aniston is also riding high in Forbes list, taking fourth spot with $20 million in earnings whilst The Amazing Spider-Man star Emma Stone squeezes into the top five with an estimated $16 million.

Heading up the second half is Prometheus star Charlize Theron with $15 million, with Sandra Bullock and Natalie Portman just behind, both with $14 million banked.

Mila Kunis has also entered the list this year with a tidy $11 million thanks to breaking out into big budget movies like.

Finally Julia Roberts proves that she can still pull in a major pay check despite her lack of starring roles in recent years. Her only 2012 offering was the role of The Queen in Mirror Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White, but that hasn’t stopped her entered the list with $11 million in estimated earnings.

Major names to fall off the Forbes list include last year’s entrants Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Meryl Streep.

Forbes Hollywood’s Highest Paid Actresses 2012/2013:

1. Angelina Jolie, $33 million
2. Jennifer Lawrence, $26 million
3. Kristen Stewart, $22 million
4. Jennifer Aniston, $20 million
5. Emma Stone, $16 million
6. Charlize Theron, $15 million
7. Sandra Bullock, $14 million
8. Natalie Portman, $14 million
9. Mila Kunis, $11 million
10. Julia Roberts, $11 million

Robert Downey Jr. has topped Forbes‘ list of highest-paid actors, with estimated earnings of $75 million.

The Avengers and Iron Man 3 featuring 48-year-old Robert Downey Jr. took more than $1 billion at the box office.

In second place is Channing Tatum, who financed and starred in Magic Mike.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, it made $167 million, contributing to Channing Tatum’s $60 million pay.

Robert Downey Jr. has topped Forbes' list of highest-paid actors, with estimated earnings of $75 million

Robert Downey Jr. has topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid actors, with estimated earnings of $75 million

Completing the top three is Australian actor Hugh Jackman, whose new film The Wolverine is about to open in the UK.

Hugh Jackman is thought to have earned $55 million in the same period – June 2012 to June 2013.

Other stars in the top 10 include Mark Wahlberg, star of comedy film Ted, who earned $52 million and Adam Sandler with $37 million.

Denzel Washington, who is in ninth place, earned approximately $33 million.

He took a cut in pay for the film Flight in exchange for a share of the profits. The film ended up making $162 million.

Last year, Tom Cruise, 51, topped the list with earnings of $75 million.

This year Tom Cruise dropped to eighth place with $35 million, gained largely from his international audience, Forbes said.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Liam Neeson complete the top 10 with earnings of $39 million and $32 million respectively.

Oprah Winfrey is back on top of Forbes‘ list of the world’s most powerful celebrities – Forbes’ Celebrity 100 – after a two-year stint in the runner-up seat.

Oprah Winfrey, 59, knocked Jennifer Lopez off the spot and into number 12, but still shares the top ten winners’ enclosure arena with a multitude of women.

There are six girls in the plum positions – and the only man to make it into the top five is film director Steven Spielberg, who, coming third, is sandwiched between Lady Gaga in second and Beyonce in fourth.

Madonna comes fifth and Taylor Swift makes her top 10 debut at number six in the annual Top 100 compiled by Forbes magazine, which is based on income over a 12-month period and fame, as defined by a media presence across all platforms, as well as social media power.

Writer E.L. James is newcomer to the list at number 42, proving that celebrities with clout can come from anywhere. E.L. James has sold 70 million copies of her books and earned an estimated $77 million in the last 12 months.

Oprah Winfrey is back on top of Forbes' list of the world's most powerful celebrities

Oprah Winfrey is back on top of Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful celebrities

Forbes calculated celebrity’s earnings on income from tours, books, contracts, endorsements, movies and residuals and each star was given a marketability score, created by California market research firm E-Poll.

The magazine credits Oprah Winfrey’s $77 million earnings between June 2012 and June 2013 – as well as her prominence on TV, on social media and in the press – for her placing.

Forbes writer Dorothy Pomerantz said: “She still wields an enormous amount of power, which is really what we look for in our fame matrix.

“She is taking this cable network and turning it around just through the sheer force of her will, her connections and her ability.”

Oprah Winfrey, who has topped the list on four previous occasions, is one of three celebrities who have featured on the prestigious list every year since its inception in 1999, along with radio DJ Howard Stern and director Steven Spielberg.

But she wasn’t the highest earning star over the last year. Madonna earned $125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

Last year’s number one, Jennifer Lopez – who topped the chart thanks to her public profile and earnings of $52 million – drops to 12 on this year’s countdown.

Meanwhile, Lady Gaga, despite being forced to cancel numerous dates on her moneymaking Born This Way Ball tour due to hip surgery earlier this year, earned $80 million from the global jaunt.

Forbes also cites the 27-year-old star’s devoted fan following on social media for her lofty ranking.

Dorothy Pomerantz said: “She is still a huge force in pop music. Even when she is not playing, people are talking about her and speculating about her.”

Forbes also deciphered how often individual stars appeared in the media and used Starcount – a Singapore-based company that studies celebrity’s presence on 11 different social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to assess popularity and influence.

[youtube iX1BijSrusc]

Dr. Dre has topped a Forbes list of the 25 highest-paid musicians in 2012.

Dr. Dre, 47, became one of the leading names in rap in the early 1990s with N.W.A. and has worked with artists including Eminem and Snoop Dogg.

The producer’s headphones business, Beats by Dre, helped him make $100 million in pre-tax earnings, according to Forbes.

The top 10 also included Take That at number five.

The group, who reformed in 2005, made $69 million earned from an eight-date tour at London’s Wembley Stadium in June and July 2011.

That also became the highest-grossing single stadium tour to date.

Last year’s highest-paid musicians, U2, finished in fourth place this year with combined earnings of $78 million from their three-year 360 tour.

Forbes puts its annual highest-paid musicians list together by estimating artists’ earnings from music sales, live shows, endorsements and merchandising.

Dr Dre has topped Forbes list of the 25 highest-paid musicians in 2012

Dr Dre has topped Forbes list of the 25 highest-paid musicians in 2012

Forbes World’s Highest Paid Musicians 2012:

1. Dr. Dre – $100 million

2. Roger Waters – $88 million

3. Elton John – $80 million

4. U2 – $78 million

5. Take That – $69 million

6. Bon Jovi – $60 million

7. Britney Spears – $58 million

8= Paul McCartney – $57 million

8= Taylor Swift – $57 million

10= Justin Bieber – $55 million

10= Toby Keith – $55 million

12. Rihanna – $53 million

13. Lady Gaga – $52 million

14. Foo Fighters – $47 million

15= Diddy – $45 million

15= Katy Perry – $45 million

17. Kenny Chesney $44 million

18. Jay-Z – $40 million

19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $39 million

20. Beyonce – $38 million

21. Coldplay – $37 million

22= Adele – $35 million

22= Kanye West – $35 million

24. Michael Buble – $34 million

25. Sade – $33 million

Oprah Winfrey has been crowned the highest female earner in Hollywood by Forbes magazine, having taken home an estimated $165 million last year.

Britney Spears is next, with earnings thought to be about $58 milion.

Taylor Swift completes the top three, only just behind Britney Spears, making $57 million in the past 12 months.

According to Forbes, Oprah Winfrey is America’s only African-American billionaire and owns the television company, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

She is also a television presenter and recently interviewed Rihanna about her relationship with Chris Brown.

Britney Spears did not make the Forbes list last year, possibly down to a reduction in the amount of her touring.

This year the pop star has performed 75 dates as well as earning money from various endorsements and her perfume line.

She has also taken a role on the judging line-up of The X Factor USA.

Taylor Swift’s place is partly down to her tour, which grossed more than $1 million per night and ran for more than 65 dates.

Other names on the list include television host Ellen DeGeneres and singers Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

Forbes’ highest-paid women in 2012:

1 – Oprah Winfrey, $165 million

2 – Britney Spears, $58 million

3 – Taylor Swift, $57 million

4 – Ellen DeGeneres, $53 million

5 – Rihanna, $53 million

6 – Lady Gaga, $52 million

7 – Jennifer Lopez, $52 million

8 – Gisele Bundchen, $45 million

9 – Katy Perry, $45 million

10 – Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million

 

0

Technology titan Bill Gates has been listed by Forbes magazine as the wealthiest American for the 19th year in a row, with a fortune of $66 billion, up $7 billion from last year.

There was no change in the order of the top five richest from a year earlier.

The total wealth of the US super-rich grew 13% to $1.7 trillion, with the top 400 worth an average $400 million more in 2012.

The group’s assets are worth as much as one eighth of the US economy, and grew much faster than the economy at large.

Bill Gates has been listed by Forbes magazine as the wealthiest American for the 19th year in a row

Bill Gates has been listed by Forbes magazine as the wealthiest American for the 19th year in a row

According to the Forbes 400 list of the richest people in America, the average net worth of a person on the list was $4.2 billion.

In second place with a fortune of $46 billion was investment guru Warren Buffett, who is chairman and chief executive of the insurance conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway.

He was followed by Larry Ellison, head of software maker Oracle Corp, worth $41 billion.

David and Charles Koch of the energy and chemical business group Koch Industries were tied in fourth place with $31 billion.

The majority of those on Forbes‘ list became richer in 2012. Two hundred and forty-one members of the group saw their wealth increase, while just 66 saw it shrink.

Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and financier George Soros dropped from the ranks of the top 10 into 12th place compared with a year ago.

But the biggest drop was seen by Facebook founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, who fell from 14th to 36th place in the wake of a disappointing stock market listing of his company.

He lost nearly half his fortune, which is now worth an estimated $9.4 billion.

Four members of one family – the heirs to the Walmart fortune – are in the top 10.

Top 10 Forbes list:

1. Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, $66 billion

2. Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, $46 billion

3. Larry Ellison, co-founder and chief executive of Oracle, $41 billion

4. Charles Koch, chairman and chief executive of Koch Industries, $31 billion

5. David Koch, co-owner and executive vice-president of Koch Industries, $31 billion

6. Christy Walton & family, heiress to Walmart fortune, $27.9 billion

7. Jim Walton, heir to Walmart fortune and chairman of Arvest Bank, $26.8 billion

8. Alice Walton, heiress to Walmart fortune, $26.3 billion

9. S Robson Walton, heir to Walmart fortune, $26.1 billion

10. Michael Bloomberg, founder and principal owner of Bloomberg LP, $25 billion.

 

0

The days of actors getting multi-million dollar salaries are over, says Brad Pitt during a recent interview.

“Yeah, that thing died,” Brad Pitt laughed when asked if it was possible for stars to still command a price tag upwards of $10 million per movie.

“That arithmetic doesn’t really work right now… that deal’s not flying these days.”

Brad Pitt has been a familiar fixture on lists detailing the highest paid actors.

Brad Pitt says the days of actors getting multi-million dollar salaries are over

Brad Pitt says the days of actors getting multi-million dollar salaries are over

The most recent Forbes list for 2012 was topped by Tom Cruise, with an estimated yearly salary of $75 million.

Meanwhile Brad Pitt is thought to have earned $25 million.

As for what state Hollywood is in, in general, Brad Pitt concedes: “It’s a really interesting time.

“A lot of the studios have been challenged because of the economic downturn as well so they’ve been betting on bigger, more tent pole kinds of things.

“At the same time that opens up a vacuum for really interesting new film makers to come in.”

So-called “tent pole” films take the biggest budgets but their profits are expected to prop up other movies for the major studios.

Brad Pitt’s acting work over the past few years has ranged from the Oscar nominated Moneyball, to the children’s animation Happy Feet 2 and most recently the crime thriller Killing Them Softly.

“You take the roles for the roles and you’ve just got to balance economics like everyone does,” Brad Pitt says.

There are still ways actors can rake in millions from a movie though, if they agree a smaller upfront salary in exchange for a cut of the eventual profits.

That model of course only works if the movie in question is a big hit at the box office.

Jude Law says that he’s never demanded a $20 million pay cheque: “No, not really, that’s never been my approach.”

Currently on screen in Anna Karenina, Jude Law concedes he has made salary demands in the past, but not in the way you may assume.

“There are certain films the only way to make them go away was just keep raising the fee, and eventually they go <<Oh, we can’t pay you that much!>> and then they go away.”