Special Report
50 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment
March 8, 2019 10:53 am
Last Updated: January 11, 2020 10:20 am
Women have always played an integral role in film, television, and popular music, contributing to the development of each. Actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and musicians such as Billie Holiday are among our nation’s most cherished cultural icons.
The influence of women in the entertainment industry as both performers and those involved behind the scenes — as writers, producers, directors, and more — is perhaps greater now than ever before. And as those within the industry continue to push for greater representation of women in high-profile roles, this clout is sure to continue to grow.
24/7 Wall St. gauged the popularity, financial success, and influence of women around the world active in the entertainment industry.
First, we reviewed Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women,” Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women In Entertainment 2018,” and “The Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 Women in Entertainment Power 100.”
Women who appeared on multiple lists were automatically included. We chose from the remaining women individuals with the highest number of Wikipedia page views (received during the two-year period ending March 3, 2019). Those without a personal Wikipedia page were excluded from consideration.
These women represent the most successful and most prominent in popular culture.
Click here to see 50 of the most powerful women in entertainment.
The entertainment industry covers multiple creative mediums, including TV, film, and music. All of these fields are built on huge corporate structures that employ women at every level. The most powerful women can be executives or talent. Many are distinguished producers who have built their careers by helping to bring some of cinema’s biggest movies to fruition. As a result, while some of the industry’s top women are household names — such as the much-admired Lady Gaga — others are less recognizable.
The problem of sexual misconduct in entertainment, and how it relates to women, has been a matter of great discussion over the past year due to the advancement of social movements such as #MeToo and organizations including Time’s Up. While sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse happens everywhere, it receives special coverage in the entertainment industry as it tends to involve the rich and the famous. Major scandals, such as the the abuses allegedly committed by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, have been covered extensively by the news media. Many of the women included on the list have made visible efforts to support — and even spearhead — movements against sexual misconduct.
24/7 Wall St. gauged the popularity, financial success, and influence of women around the world active in the entertainment industry.
First, we reviewed Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women,” Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women In Entertainment 2018,” and “The Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 Women in Entertainment Power 100.”
Women who appeared on multiple lists were automatically included. We chose from the remaining women individuals with the highest number of Wikipedia page views (received during the two-year period ending March 3, 2019). Those without a personal Wikipedia page were excluded from consideration.
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