Denzel Kicks Tom Hanks' Ass

Denzel Washington made a triumphant return to the upper echelons of the nationwide Harris Poll this week, coming in at number one for the first time in the annual survey of America's favorite movie stars.

The Inside Man star, who fell out of the top 10 last year, knocked Tom Hanks out of the top spot, a position he had held for the last two years. Hanks didn't fall far, however, landing comfortably at number two.

Washington also placed first among what the Harris Poll termed liberal and moderate voters, and also made a first-place showing in the South.

John Wayne, who has made the list every year since 1994, held fast at number three and ranked first among Baby Boomers (voters ages 42-60).

Denzel Tops Favorite Movie Star List [E! Online]

(WENN)

To better inform you of the fickle whims of the American people, the Harris Poll conducted an online survey of 1,147 U.S. adults from Dec. 12-18.

Not giving up any ground, however, was Mel Gibson, who may be sharing seventh place with Depp but is not hanging around in 80th place or wherever people who engage in anti-Semitic rants and direct two exploitatively violent films in a row sometimes end up.

Making Harris' top 10 for the first time was Will Smith, a possible Oscar contender for The Pursuit of Happyness, who tied Roberts for fifth place.

Here's a complete list of America's favorite movie stars in 2006, per the Harris Poll:
1. Denzel Washington
2. Tom Hanks
3. John Wayne
4. Clint Eastwood
5. Will Smith
5. Julia Roberts
7. Johnny Depp
7. Mel Gibson
9. George Clooney
10. Harrison Ford