Smith, Downey, Bale Shake Their '08 Moneymakers

Fri., Jan. 2, 2009 10:15 AM PST by

Will Smith, Hancock, Robert Downey Jr, Iron Man, Christian Bale, The Dark Knight Zade Rosenthal/Paramount Pictures; Warner Bros. Entertainment

As far as 2008 was concerned, it was Will Smith who banked the Benjamins Hancock-over-fist—the action hero has just been named the Top Moneymaking Star of the past year.

The A-lister with the most appeal was determined, per usual, by the annual Quigley Poll. The results are based on which stars movie theater owners and film buyers believe to be the year's biggest box-office draws—believe to be being the operative words.

While Smith unarguably banked a bundle last year, with grosses from Hancock and Seven Pounds earning a combined $271.8 million per Box Office Mojo, his total was mere chump change compared with a few ranked below him.

Robert Downey Jr., who came second on the Quigley list, had a total film gross of $432.7 million in 2008, $567.2 million if his cameo in The Incredible Hulk is factored in.

Even Christian Bale, who ranked third, made more money, with his sole 2008 release—The Dark Knight, as if you had to ask—lining theater owners' pockets to the tune of $530.9 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were the bankable likes of Shia LaBeouf, Harrison Ford, Adam Sandler, Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig.

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