100 Highest Paid Celebrities in the World: Power List 2012

Who are the 100 highest paid celebrities in the world? The celebrity power list of 2012 includes rich and famous people from all areas of entertainment. Some celebrities listed here are singers, others are musicians and still others are on the opposite side of the camera: directors, screenwriters and movie and TV executives. This list of the highest paid celebrities in the world is from Forbes' magazine's annual power 100 list. Is your favorite here?

Some celebrities do much more than act, sing or write. They're now expanding their wealth by including a business angle. Examples? Jennifer Lopez has made millions as an actress and a singer, but she's made the most money by building a fashion and perfume empire. It's not enough just to be famous anymore: To get rich, a celebrity clearly needs to build and expand their own brand in some way.

Newcomers to the Celebrity 100 Forbes list in 2012 include Rihanna and Kim Kardashian: Two women who know how to market themselves and their brand, to the tune of multi-millions. As far as men, newcomers to the 2012 list include Ashton Kutcher, who raked in millions through his high-profile role on 'Two and a Half Men,' but also in endorsement money (think Nikon).

The 2012 100 highest paid celebrities in the world are highly recognizable names. Some, including perennial favorites Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and others, are also included on the 2011 power list of the wealthiest celebs worldwide.