The financial backbone of Hollywood is set to take center stage this week as The Hollywood Reporter prepares to unveil its highly anticipated Power Business Managers list. The annual feature serves as a definitive look at the influential architects behind the scenes—the strategists who manage the wealth and navigate the complex business landscapes of the world’s most recognizable stars.
Honoring Excellence: The Rise of Michael Ullman
The spotlight this year falls on Michael Ullman, the CEO of Platinum Financial Management Inc., who will be honored with THR’s Business Manager Icon award. Ullman, whose career spans more than 35 years, founded his firm in 2003 with a philosophy centered on blending bespoke financial services with high-level technical expertise.
The award will be presented by legendary boxing champion and longtime client Sugar Ray Leonard, underscoring the deep professional trust Ullman has earned. His client roster reads like a “who’s who” of the entertainment industry, including A-list talents such as Jennifer Aniston, Miles Teller, Brooke Shields, and Julie Bowen. Ullman’s trajectory, growing his team to 35 professionals, reflects the broader industry trend of talent demanding more integrated, sophisticated financial management to handle global portfolios.
Industry Shifts and the AI Intersection
As Hollywood continues to grapple with rapid technological disruption, the upcoming Power Business Managers breakfast at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago—scheduled for October 21—will dive deep into the evolving fiscal environment. The event will feature a high-profile Q&A with United Talent Agency CEO David Kramer, moderated by THR editor-in-chief Maer Roshan.
Kramer, who oversees global strategy for UTA, is expected to address how talent agencies are leveraging new data-driven tools and emerging technologies to optimize client opportunities. In an era where AI and streaming algorithms are reshaping royalty structures and production workflows, business managers are increasingly relying on sophisticated analytical software to track revenue streams. The intersection of legal expertise and financial foresight is also a core focus, as evidenced by a fireside chat with Lisa Callif of Donaldson Callif Perez. As a prominent expert in rights management and clearance, Callif will discuss how legal frameworks are adjusting to the digital age, a critical concern for investors and creators alike.
The Financial Engine Behind the Screen
The event is supported by key industry stalwarts, including City National Bank and the law firm Venable LLP. Their involvement highlights the symbiotic relationship between creative risk-taking and financial stability. As JaHan Wang, head of Entertainment & Sports Banking at City National Bank, noted, the primary role of the modern business manager is to provide the “freedom” for talent to focus on their creative output while experts handle the complexities of asset protection and tax strategy.
These managers are tasked with navigating an increasingly globalized market, where intellectual property rights, international distribution deals, and the threat of digital piracy require a high degree of technical agility. Whether it is managing the private wealth of documentary filmmakers or coordinating complex corporate structures for major production houses, the business managers highlighted in this year’s list are no longer just accountants; they are the strategic operators keeping the entertainment engine running.
The full 2026 Power Business Managers list will be published in the October 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter, offering a comprehensive breakdown of the professionals who remain the quiet, essential architects of Hollywood’s financial future. As the industry pivots further toward digital-first strategies, the role of these financial stewards will only grow in complexity, cementing their status as the true power brokers of the entertainment world.
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