LOS ANGELES – Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts form a talent triumvirate when it comes to packing movie theaters and getting films financed, according to a new survey of celebrity bankability.
Industry executives ranked the three stars at the top of a list of 130 actors based on their ability to secure financing for a film, obtain studio distribution and guarantee huge box office receipts on the strength of their name alone.
The full "Star Power 2002 Survey" will be published this week in The Hollywood Reporter.
Rounding out the top 10 were Mel Gibson, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Russell Crowe, Harrison Ford, Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.
The survey revealed a crop of new stars whose power is on the rise.
Actors such as Reese Witherspoon, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale rated higher on this year's list compared to last year's ranking. Several new names debuted on the list, including Heath Ledger and Hugh Jackman.
A separate list for musician/actors ranked Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez and Mark Wahlberg at the top, along with Madonna, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Ice Cube, Janet Jackson, Cher and Courtney Love.
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