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Another day, another Forbes list.
After ranking the highest paid DJs in the world last week, the publication has now put together a list of the Highest Paid Celebrities in Hollywood.
Oprah Winfrey remains a top contender despite her lack of a daily presence on TV as of late, while big Hollywood directors and producers round out the list.
You thought Tom Cruise was wealthy with his $75 million paycheck this year? Turns out it's the people behind the scenes who are really making bank in the entertainment 'biz.
To determine this year's ranking, Forbes says they considered "who the highest-paid celebrities are, we considered upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work. We talked to manager, agents, lawyers and other in-the-know folks to come up with our estimates. We did not deduct for things like agent fees or the expenses related to being a celebrity."
10. Simon Cowell—$90 Million
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Although "X Factor" didn't prove as successful in the ratings as "American Idol," the U.K. version of the show had a breakout band, One Direction, for Cowell's label, Syco Records.
One Direction are the first UK group to debut at No. 1 in the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart.
9. George Lucas—90 Million
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The man behind the "Star Wars" films could easily retire, but Lucas takes his earning from the franchise and puts the money back into his company Industrial Light and Magic, which does special effects for movies such as "Battleship" and "The Avengers."
Lucas is still making films, such as January's flop "Red Tails" about the Tuskegee airmen, which was made for $58 million but only earned $50 million at the box office. Not that Lucas needs the money.
8. James Patterson—$94 Million
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Author James Patterson wrote 14 books in 2011 alone. An adaptation of his "I, Alex Cross" is in the works, with Tyler Perry stepping into the role previously played by Morgan Freeman.
Despite the success of E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey," Patterson is this year's top-earning author in the world.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
