Top Money-Making Actor of 2008 Named

The Quigley Poll, which has been conducted every year since 1932 by the publishers of the International Motion Picture Almanac, has named 2008's top money-making movie star: Will Smith. Reuters reports that the 40-year-old actor is only the second African-American to win the Quigley Poll in its 76 year history, with Sidney Poitier being the first in 1968.

This year, Smith played the roles of a reluctant superhero in Hancock, as well as starring in the recent hit, Seven Pounds, both of which helped him to secure his new title, and dethrone Johnny Depp.

Three newcomers on the 2008 list were Iron Man Robert Downey, Jr, The Dark Knight Christian Bale, and Eagle Eye Shia LaBeouf. They placed second, third, and fourth in the poll, respectively.

The Quigley poll also named Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine as stars of tomorrow. Hathaway was recognized for her performance in Rachel Getting Married and Pine was nominated for his upcoming role as Captain Kirk in 2009's Star Trek movie.

Reuters also stated that perennial winner Tom Cruise did not make the Top Ten for 2008, despite winning the title seven times since 1983. Veteran actor Depp also did not make the list this time around.