The Most Powerful People in NYC Entertainment: From Broadway to Hollywood, These Individuals Are Shaping the City's Culture

The New Power of New York List 2024

Variety takes a look at the movers and shakers in New York City's entertainment industry, highlighting individuals who are not only making waves in their respective fields but also leaving a lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape.

Who are these influential figures? They range from A-list celebrities to Broadway producers to media executives who are shaping the future of entertainment.

What defines power in entertainment? Variety argues that it's more than just the ability to get a reservation at a hot restaurant or get your phone call returned. True power lies in the ability to define and shape culture. This list showcases the creative geniuses, dealmakers, and visionaries who are defining New York City's entertainment scene and leaving their mark on the world.

Some of the notable figures on the list include:

• Anthony Bregman and Stefanie Azpiazu: Founders of Likely Story, a production company known for its success at Sundance.
• Nate Burleson: Co-host of CBS Mornings, known for his infectious energy and chemistry with his co-hosts.
• John Buzzetti: A prominent theater agent at WME, representing some of Broadway's biggest names, including Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Kai Cenat: Twitch sensation who has captivated Gen Z and Gen Alpha viewers with his comedy livestreams and celebrity collabs.
• Clairo: Indie rock darling known for her breakout album “Immunity” and her distinct sound.
• David Adjmi: Playwright known for his critically acclaimed play “Stereophonic,” which became the most Tony-nominated play in Broadway history.
• Brendon Babenzien: Creative director of J.Crew menswear, known for his edgy and gritty sensibility.
• Glen Basner: Head of FilmNation, a key figure in indie film financing, known for producing some of the year's most exciting films.
• Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo: “Summer House” cast members who have built a successful podcast and media empire.
• Krishan Bhatia: Vice president of global video advertising at Amazon, tasked with expanding the company's reach on Madison Avenue.
• Brody Grant and Danya Taymor: Star and director of “The Outsiders,” a Broadway musical adaptation that has become a smash hit.
• Sam Houser: Co-founder and president of Rockstar Games, known for creating the iconic “Grand Theft Auto” series.
• Branden Jacobs-Jenkins: Playwright known for his Tony-winning play “Appropriate,” returning to Broadway with a new epic family drama, “Purpose.”
• Alex Gibney: Documentary filmmaker known for his insightful and thought-provoking films about figures like Boris Becker and WikiLeaks.
• Robert Glasper: Jazz musician and Grammy winner, known for bridging jazz and hip-hop. He is set to take over New York’s fabled Blue Note jazz club for the month of October.
• Heidi Gardner: Breakout star on “Saturday Night Live,” known for her hilarious characters and unscripted laughs.
• Cynthia Germanotta: Co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation, known for her advocacy for young people’s mental health.
• Brandon Flynn: Actor known for his role in “13 Reasons Why” and for being the face of Calvin Klein.
• Lisa Frechette: Producer who has worked with Martin Scorsese on films like “Shutter Island” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
• Bob Friedman: Founder of Bungalow Media + Entertainment, known for his boutique approach to producing TV shows and movies.
• Charles Cohen: Real estate scion and film lover, whose company controls Cohen Media Group, known for producing and distributing indie films.
• Lori Conkling: Head of TV, film, and sports partnerships at YouTube, responsible for multibillion-dollar deals with major networks.
• Alex Edelman: Comedian known for his solo show “Just for Us,” which explores his experiences with antisemitism.
• Cole Escola: Writer and star of the critically acclaimed Broadway play “Oh, Mary!,” known for their comedic talent.
• Mark Thompson: CEO of CNN, tasked with revitalizing the network following a tumultuous period.
• Julio Torres: Comedian and writer known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and the HBO series “Fantasmas.”
• Jason Weinberg: Co-founder of Untitled Entertainment, a talent management company, who has also made a foray into Broadway producing.
• Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma: Founders of RadicalMedia, known for their work on projects like the “Hamilton” film.
• Almin Karamehmedovic: President of ABC News, overseeing a network of TV news titles, including “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.”
• Mark Kaufman: Chief of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, known for his work on Broadway productions like “Beetlejuice: The Musical.”
• Rich Kleiman: CEO of Boardroom, a media company that produces content about sports and culture.
• Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, Alex Wagner, and Nicolle Wallace: Key figures at MSNBC, providing commentary and analysis on the 2024 election cycle.
• Maleah Joi Moon: Tony-winning actress known for her role in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
• Jawn Murray: Executive producer of “Sherri,” a daytime talk show, and a pop-culture commentator.
• Myha’la: Actress known for her role in HBO’s financial drama “Industry.”
• Ana Nogueira: Writer for DC Studios, tasked with writing “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” and “Teen Titans.”
• Desiree Perez: CEO of Roc Nation, overseeing the careers of music stars like Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys.
• Will Reeve: ABC News correspondent and son of Christopher Reeve.
• Jessica Tarlov: Democratic Party political strategist and co-host of Fox News’ “The Five.”
• Brian Teta: Executive producer of “The View,” responsible for keeping the show relevant and generating watercooler moments.
• Leon Thomas: Musician and songwriter, known for his work with Ariana Grande, Drake, and SZA.
• John Sloss: Founder of Cinetic Media, known for his work with indie filmmakers.
• Morgan Spector: Actor known for his role in HBO’s “The Gilded Age.”
• Brian Stelter: Journalist who is returning to CNN after a two-year hiatus.
• David Stern: Managing director of Playground, a company that produces Broadway shows and films.
• Jane Rosenthal: Co-founder of the Tribeca Festival, known for her work in film and television.
• Jane Schoenbrun: Filmmaker known for her surreal and innovative film “I Saw the TV Glow.”
• Scott Shooman: Head of AMC Networks Film Group, responsible for IFC Films and Shudder.

This list highlights the diverse range of talent that makes New York City a cultural powerhouse. These individuals are not only shaping the entertainment industry, but also contributing to the city's vibrant and dynamic character.