Variety500 is an index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. Updated on December 18, 2024, the Variety500 reflects the accomplishments of its members over the previous 12 months. There are 8 Italians in the 2024 Variety500 list: Alberto Barbera, Marco Bassetti, Luca Bernabei, Paolo Del Brocco, Khaby Lame, Raffaella Leone, Lorenzo Mieli, and Andrea Scrosati.

Alberto Barbera has been the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival since 2012. Under his leadership, the festival has regained its prominence as a premier platform for international cinema, attracting high-profile premieres and fostering emerging talent. Barbera's tenure is marked by a commitment to diversity and innovation, ensuring the festival's relevance in the evolving cinematic landscape.

Marco Bassetti serves as CEO of Banijay, the world’s largest independent content producer and distributor. Under his leadership, Banijay oversees a portfolio of over 120 production companies in 22 countries, creating a diverse range of content spanning scripted and unscripted genres.

Luca Bernabei serves as the CEO of Lux Vide, a leading Italian television production company recognized for creating high-quality series with global appeal. Under his leadership, Lux Vide has produced acclaimed titles such as Don Matteo, Medici, Leonardo, and Devils. These productions have elevated Italy's reputation in the international entertainment market, blending rich storytelling with high production values.

Paolo Del Brocco is the CEO of Rai Cinema, a subsidiary of Italy's national public broadcasting company, RAI. Under his leadership, Rai Cinema has been instrumental in producing and distributing a diverse range of Italian films, contributing significantly to the promotion of Italian cinema both domestically and internationally.

Khaby Lame, born on March 9, 2000, in Senegal, is a Senegalese-Italian social media influencer renowned for his silent comedic sketches that simplify overly complicated life hacks. After moving to Italy at a young age, Lame gained global fame through TikTok, where he became the most-followed creator by June 2022.

Raffaella Leone is the CEO of Leone Film Group, a prominent Italian film production and distribution company founded by her father, the legendary director Sergio Leone. Under her leadership, the company has been instrumental in producing and distributing a diverse range of films, contributing significantly to the Italian and international cinema landscape.

Lorenzo Mieli is a prominent Italian film and television producer, known for his significant contributions to the international entertainment industry. As the founder and CEO of The Apartment Pictures, a Fremantle company, Mieli has been instrumental in producing high-quality content that resonates with global audiences.

Andrea Scrosati serves as the Group Chief Operating Officer and CEO Continental Europe at Fremantle, a leading global content production and distribution company. In his role, Scrosati oversees Fremantle's operations across Europe, driving strategic growth and innovation within the region.