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Good morning, students. Today's lesson is on Power. Who's got it, who doesn't; how to use it, how to lose it; where it comes from and where it leads. But first, class, can anyone tell me precisely what power means? Anyone? Put your hand down, Mr. Cameron -- give someone else a chance for a change. And, no, Mr. Carrey, you can't answer through your butt cheeks.
Okay, write this down -- it'll be on the final. Power, particularly in Hollywood, isn't simply a matter of how much money you make or how large your office is. That's right, Mr. Devlin, size isn't the only thing that matters. Power also means influence: how what you decide to do -- or what not to do -- can send repercussions rippling throughout the entertainment industry. Pay attention, Mr. DiCaprio, this is important. Power is the capacity to find the best people in the business and cajole them into working for you. Mr. Eisner, stop spitballing Mr. Katzenberg and listen. Power is not just having the clout to get things done. It's the ability to make others watch what you're doing -- and try to copy it.
But remember, students, power is fleeting and ephemeral. Just because you had it one year doesn't mean you'll have it the next. By the way, has anyone seen Mr. Eastwood lately? Power, in essence, is a little like love -- hard to define but easy to spot. Now, before the bell rings, here's a little assignment. Read pages 26 to 74 in this week's ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. Pay special attention to the power seating at Veruka, and such power artifacts as Mr. Combs' day planner and Mr. Williamson's phone log. Also, memorize the Rising Powers and solve the Power Jumble. Mr. Springer, put down that chair and behave.
1 OPRAH WINFREY LAST YEAR no. 5 The VALEDICTORIAN This Queen of All Media -- beloved talk-show host, book-club guru, and actress -- is an all-rounder
AGE 44
If power lists were popularity contests, you'd be bonding with the bride of Chucky about now. But at EW, power is more than numbers. Our definition also measures the incalculable: range, clout, the speed with which people return your calls. Take these factors into account and you'll understand why Oprah Winfrey tops 1998's power list, the first woman and African American ever to do so.
She isn't the obvious choice. That would be last year's No. 1, Steven Spielberg (now Oscar-bound -- yet again -- thanks to Saving Private Ryan). But as good as his year has been, consider the Big O's:
Outclassing a challenge from Jerry Springer, The Oprah Winfrey Show now reaches 33 million viewers a week; a just-inked TV contract with long-time distributor King World ups Oprah's cut of a daily homily that generates approximately $300 million a year. Oprah's Book Club remains the singular publishing phenomenon of the decade: All 18 books she's selected have enjoyed a huge jump in sales. Her personal wealth, according to Forbes, now stands at more than half a billion dollars. Harpo Films, her movie production company, scored a Nielsen hit last February with The Wedding, a product of a telefilm deal with ABC called Oprah Winfrey Presents.
