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Oprah Winfrey - Source: Reuters
The Hollywood Reporter named US talk show host Oprah Winfrey the most powerful woman in entertainment on its annual Power 100 List.
Winfrey, whose Oprah talk show began in national syndication 22 years ago, played a role in the victory of President-elect Barack Obama by endorsing him early in his run and by supporting him throughout the campaign.
Elizabeth Guider, editor of The Hollywood Reporter, remarked on Winfrey's "immense cultural influence" and said she could be "the most influential woman in America."
Winfrey, 54, jumped from the number six spot on the entertainment trade paper's 2007 list to number one this year. The Hollywood Reporter noted that a study by University of Maryland economists found Winfrey's support for Obama won him more than one million votes nationwide.
Winfrey's production company, Harpo Inc., made $345 million last year. She overseas an empire that includes her TV show, a magazine and an online store.
Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group, was given the number two spot on the list after coming in top a year ago. Sweeney oversees her company's news, entertainment and daytime divisions, along with its cable and publishing branches.
Amy Pascal, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, won the number three spot on the list.
Other women listed included actress Angelina Jolie, at number 24, who has bolstered her public image with philanthropic endeavors; comedian Tina Fey, number 51 in part for playing Sarah Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, in wildly popular TV impersonations during the election campaign; and 16-year-old pop star Miley Cyrus, who has a Disney franchise built around her and rounded out the list at number 100.
The Top 10 in the Women in Entertainment Power 100 list are;
1. Oprah Winfrey, chairman of Harpo Inc.
2. Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks
3. Amy Pascal, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group and co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment
4. Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group
5. Stacey Snider, co-chairman and CEO of DreamWorks
6. Bonnie Hammer, president of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions
7. Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks
8. Mary Parent, chairman of MGM Worldwide Motion Picture Group
9. Dana Walden, chairman of 20th Century Fox Television
10. Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment
