Hollywood’s 2026 Power List: 25 Creators Reshaping the Entertainment Industry
The Hollywood Reporter has released its third annual 'Creators A-List,' identifying 25 influencers who are now central to the entertainment industry. As the creator economy expands to $310 billion in 2026, studios and streamers are actively casting these digital stars in traditional roles and using them for marketing. The list highlights a shift from viewing influencers as external disruptors to integrating them as core talent, with figures like Alix Earle, Charli D’Amelio, and Benito Skinner securing major deals with Netflix, Amazon, and A24. This trend reflects a broader industry pivot where social media presence is a prerequisite for mainstream success, blurring the lines between content creation and traditional acting or hosting.
Key points
- The creator economy is projected to reach $310 billion in 2026, a 23% increase from 2025, driving Hollywood’s integration of influencers.
- Alix Earle is featured for her transition from TikTok to Netflix reality TV, including 'Earle Meets World' and 'Dancing With the Stars.'
- Benito Skinner is highlighted as a model for creators entering Hollywood, starring in Prime Video’s 'Overcompensating' with A24 and Amazon Studios.
- Brittany Broski’s 'Royal Court' has become a major press tour stop for A-listers like Matt Damon and Nicole Kidman, leveraging viral clips.
- Charli D’Amelio, with 160 million TikTok followers, is noted for her enduring appeal and potential for traditional media roles.
- Sean Evans is expanding his 'Hot Ones' franchise into new formats like 'Wing Pong' and movie integrations, while Reece Feldman serves as the Academy’s Oscars ambassador.
Background
This is the third annual iteration of The Hollywood Reporter’s 'Creators A-List.' Previous years likely established the baseline for influencer influence, but the 2026 list emphasizes a deeper integration into the industry’s core operations, moving beyond mere endorsements to casting and production roles. The list reflects the broader trend of the creator economy becoming a $310 billion sector, reshaping how entertainment is produced and marketed.
Why it matters
The inclusion of influencers in mainstream casting and marketing signals a fundamental shift in how Hollywood identifies and leverages talent. As the creator economy grows, the distinction between 'influencer' and 'actor' or 'host' is dissolving, with studios relying on these figures to guarantee audience engagement and virality. This trend indicates that social media presence is now a critical metric for career viability in entertainment, influencing everything from reality TV to major film productions and award ceremonies.
What to watch
Expect continued integration of influencers into traditional media, with more studios and streamers seeking partnerships for marketing and casting. The expansion of vertical video content by platforms like Disney and the growth of creator-led franchises like 'Hot Ones' suggest a future where digital and traditional media are fully merged. Additionally, the success of creators in securing major roles may lead to more structured pathways for digital stars to transition into mainstream careers, potentially reshaping talent acquisition and development within the industry.
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