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: catman on 2/17/2007 1:28PM
P.S at least she will be warm. the cat man out
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By: MsPlacedAmbition on 2/17/2007 1:45PM
This article goes beyond Oprah, without taking anything from her {or any of the other power brokers mentioned}. It does, however, speak to the inadequacy of the stereotypes of Black Americans. We have contributed to the growth, stability, and wealth of this nation for a very long time. But, the stereotypes that we are lazy, welfare recipients, and spitting out babies every nine months, still persists.
It gives me hope to simply see two handsome, clean {a la Senator Joe Biden}, prominent Black men on the cover of a magazine.
Well done, BE.
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By: Mary M. Brown on 2/19/2007 3:56PM
It is such an honor to read and see our blacks making
such a positive and uplifting contributions, not only to blacks but to mankind. God has truly blessed them with talents and they continue to bless others. Thank you the magnificant four.
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By: Shirley on 2/17/2007 2:00PM
May God continue to bless and keep you Oprah.
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By: mary a on 2/17/2007 2:05PM
I thank God for the Oprahs, Will Smith, Magic Johnson and so on, they represent our black race with dignity and pride. I am surprised that there were no more comments on this blog, but that is our people. We don't want to give credit where credit is due, i think they are haters and jealousy, but they can praise all those rappers who degrade our black sisters.
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By: Gwendolyn Little on 2/17/2007 2:01PM
God bless Oprah, Will Smith, and Queen Latifah. You are all inspiritation to our children who want to become someone in their life. I expecially let my two boys know that anything is posible with God. And the three of you have really showed me that the things I teach are good. God bless your lives and all you touch. Continue to touch as many people with your wit, kindness & all you do, for we to have hope. And what's hope if you can't see it happining?
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By: Sherah on 4/01/2007 3:59PM
THEY SAID SHE WAS TO FAT AND TOO BLACK BUT THEY UNDERESTIMATED HER STRENGTH .....THATS WHY OPRAH IS THE QUEEN....RISE BLACK WOMAN RISE
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By: Tamiera23c on 2/17/2007 2:11PM
All I have to say is it's a beautiful thing, it's a beautiful thing!!!
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By: Claudette on 2/17/2007 2:21PM
I am so very truly proud of our Black Entrepreneur's accomplishments within their fields as well as their contributioins to our people. At the top of my lists Ms Oprah Winphrey, The Queen Latifah (fellow New Jerseyan) and of course my man Will Smith. I pray that GOD continue to bless and keep them (their families) safe each and everyday. They make me very proud.
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By: Jeanette Deering on 2/17/2007 2:27PM
Praise the Lord! It is a blessing to read about the accomplishments of our people. Oprah has been a big inspiration to me. I pray that our people will continue to shine, as the great people we are.
GOD BLESS!
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