Gibson 'most powerful man in Hollywood'

Mel Gibson has been named the most powerful person in Hollywood following the success of his controversial movie The Passion of the Christ.

American magazine Entertainment Weekly's annual power feature says Gibson's religious film made more than $610m (€487m) and prompted international debates, making it one of the greatest "power plays" in Hollywood history.

The magazine explains: "What once seemed like a zealous bit of risky business has proved to be one of the most successful power plays in Hollywood history. We were interested in the people who had the most interesting power stories to tell."

Fahrenheit 9/11 director Michael Moore and Elf actor Will Ferrell also topped the power ranks while Miramax boss Hervey Weinstein and Janet Jackson, were named this year's "power losers".