Barack and Michelle Obama join list of Hollywood Reporter's 'most powerful' entertainers with Higher Ground
Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have bagged a place on The Hollywood Reporter's 100 most powerful people in the entertainment industry, and which is being described as the outlet's "most diverse" list ever.
Obama, 58, and Michelle, 55, were placed at number 50 on the list as the pair's production company makes headlines.
Through Higher Ground Productions, the Obamas signed a multi-year deal last year with streaming giant Netflix to produce content which reflects their values and principles. The first film that the couple acquired was 'American Factory' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It also streamed on Netflix and received great reviews ahead of the awards season.
The film had released on August 21 and follows the story of employees struggling to adjust to new leadership at an old General Motors plant in Moraine, Ohio, which had been reopened after being acquired by a Chinese company.
While announcing its list, The Hollywood Reporter stated, "'Hitting the list for the first time are Barack and Michelle Obama (No. 50), whose Higher Ground shingle is making waves via deals with Netflix and Spotify, along with 'Aquaman' helmer James Wan (No. 80) and star-producer Jennifer Lopez (No. 92)".
The statement continued, "As the Streaming Wars further disrupt Hollywood hierarchies and upend conventional wisdom about audiences, creators and distributors, THR's annual list captures the dynamic landscape of entertainment power now".
Disney CEO Bob Iger maintains his no. 1 position on the list after the company took over $71.3 billion worth of 21st Century Fox assets in March.
Other big names on the list included ViacomCBS Chairman Shari Redstone, who was placed at no. 4, actress Zendaya, who made it at no. 95; actor and producer Dwayne Johnson was also on the list and came in at no. 45 given the success of 'Fast and Furious' sequel 'Hobbs and Shaw'.