Forbes magazine has released its annual ranking of the highest-paid people in the entertainment industry. In total, these celebrities earned over 1.3 billion dollars in 2022.
Leading the list of the highest-paid artists was the British rock band Genesis. In 2022, the progressive rock pioneers of the 1960s earned 230 million dollars by selling the rights to their work to Concord Music Group. In second place was another British artist, the former leader of The Police, singer Sting. Last year, the musician earned 210 million dollars by selling the rights to all his music, including that written as part of The Police, to Universal Music Group.
Closing out the top three is American actor, director, and producer Tyler Perry, who earned 175 million dollars by filming the box office hit "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at his own Tyler Perry Studios.
Tying for fourth place in the ranking were the creators of the animated series "South Park," Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Thanks to successful deals with HBO and Paramount, they were able to earn 160 million dollars in 2022. Another creative tandem from the world of animation is nipping at Parker and Stone's heels: the creators of The Simpsons, James Brooks and Matt Groening, who earned 105 million dollars after a deal with Disney companies.
In sixth place was Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, who earned a total of 100 million dollars by starring in the films Babylon, Faster than a Bullet, and Lost City, as well as by selling part of his production company, Plan B Entertainment. The Rolling Stones received 98 million dollars and a respectable seventh place on the list: last year, the British rockers went on a concert tour of 15 European cities to celebrate their 60th anniversary of creative activity.
"Avatar: The Way of Water" not only was one of the highest-grossing films in the history of cinema but also earned director James Cameron the eighth spot on Forbes' ranking and a "modest" 95 million dollars for the year.
In ninth place is American singer Taylor Swift, who earned 92 million dollars by selling her albums on Apple Music and Spotify.
Rounding out the list of highest-paid celebrities is Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who earned 88 million dollars in 2022 through tours and contracts with fashion brands.
The World’s 10 Highest Paid Entertainers https://t.co/m2GcfpnE4h by @lisettevoytko pic.twitter.com/5O4tihMjul
— Forbes (@Forbes) February 13, 2023