By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Today, 'Black Enterprise' magazine unveiled its 2007 list of the Top 50 Power Brokers in Hollywood, and topping the list is The Almighty O a.k.a. Oprah Winfrey.
Through her Chicago-based Harpo Productions Inc., the billionaire media mogul produces her top rated daily talk show, along with 'Dr. Phil' and 'The Rachael Ray Show.'
Winfrey, who is the co-founder of Oxygen Media -- which operates a cable television network that reaches 69 million U.S. households -- has also helmed made-for-television movies such as 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' and 'The Women of Brewster Place.'
As an actress, she starred in 'The Color Purple,' which netted her an Academy Award nomination, 'Native Son' and the Jonathan Demme-directed 1998 spectacle 'Beloved.'
Two-time Academy Award nominee and box-office superstar Will Smith graces the cover of the magazine with his business partner James Lassiter. The 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' star, co-owner of Hollywood production company Overbrook Entertainment, ranks at number 3.
Time Warner chief Richard D. Parsons is Number 2, and basketball legend turned business tycoon Earvin "Magic" Johnson comes in fourth.
According to spokesperson Andrew Wadium, the groundbreaking black business magazine's news editor Nicole M. Richardson and an editorial team contacted industry insiders, movie studios, and television networks, reviewed box office sales and television ratings reports to compile the list.
Although boldfaced names such as Spike Lee, Queen Latifah,, Ice Cube, Tyler Perry, Forest Whitaker and Tyra Banks made the listing, African American corporate executives, agents, lawyers, and entrepreneurs -- who broker some of the industry's biggest deals -- also made the roster.
The March issue of 'Black Enterprise' is due to arrive on stands Feb. 21.


Comments: (141)
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By: barbara on 2/17/2007 5:49PM
amen
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By: WILLIAM L.ROBINSON on 3/04/2007 6:51PM
I am grateful to be alive to see my black people amount to something,in all their glory.
Glory-glory-alleuyah
your gift comes from up above
use it wisely
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By: GAIL BIGGERS on 2/16/2007 7:56AM
WITH ALL THE NEGATIVE INFO ABOUT OUR RACE THANKS FOR REPRESENTING THE UPSIDE. SAY IT LOUD I AM BLACK AND PROUD. AMEN. IT IS ALWAYS GREAT FOR ME TO READ ABOUT THE POSITIVE THINGS THAT MY RACE CONTRIBUTES TO THIS COUNTRY. KEEP HOPE ALIVE.
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By: ThunderGaijin on 2/16/2007 1:48PM
Oprah being at number 1 is no surprise. Most of these people deserve it for their hard work. Only one comment out of 3 days!? If this was Ray J's tape article or some bullshit like that, it would be 50 comments. My people, my people.
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By: Gloria on 2/17/2007 6:38AM
Great positive accomplishments for our black Women and men. Oprah especially has done the ultimate!
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By: James Calhoun on 2/17/2007 6:38AM
Black people are brilliant. I know it, you know it,and they know it and it leaves them speechless. It also leaves us speechless at times.
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By: Windi on 2/17/2007 6:56AM
Ophrah is an inspiration to all races, she bares much fruit.
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By: felicia evans on 2/17/2007 6:51AM
I'm so happy times have changed for black people. I love what people like Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey are doing for themselves and everybody else. Dreams do come true!
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By: Carla Hendricks on 2/17/2007 7:07AM
Ms O has done it again and I ain't mad at her. Big ups for Will Smith snd his Business manager.
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By: jacque brown on 2/17/2007 7:06AM
OPRAH and Will hve shown the world the overwelmingly
God given talent Black people have. These two Americans h ave arrived and made it possible for others to suceed .They have not forgotten theirs roots or their friends. Thank you both
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