Forbes and its partner E-Poll Research have compiled a list of the ten most influential celebrities with Steven Spielberg coming out on top. He “narrowly edges out” Oprah Winfrey with the magazine saying, “…He is almost universally liked and respected. He did influence an entire generation of filmmakers with movies like Jaws and E.T. And when he takes a political stance, the whole world listens.”

Celebrities were ranked by E-Poll Research’s E-Score Celebrity service, which looks at 46 attributes to determine influence. According to the story, Oprah “more classically fits the definition of an influencer” because she drives sales.

Others on the list include Rush Limbaugh, Phil Jackson (the coach of the L.A. Lakers), Dr. Oz, and Bono. Many of the celebrities that you would naturally think of – Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, or Sarah Jessica Parker, for instance – are missing. Goes back to the question about influence vs. popularity. Your thoughts?