Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres has been named the most powerful gay celebrity by an American magazine.

The comedienne, who is married to actress Portia de Rossi, came second to politician Barney Frank but was the top showbiz star on the list.

Actress Jodie Foster and comic Rosie O'Donnell were also honoured in the third annual Top 50 rundown by U.S. publication Out, coming 36th and 42nd respectively.

Milk director Gus Van Sant was 14th, Sex and the City writer Michael Patrick King came 29th, and fashion designers Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford were handed 15th and 38th places in the lineup.

The list is determined by political clout, cultural resonance, individual wealth and current personal profile.

Gus Van sant has found major success in recent months with his biopic picture of Harvely Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to government. The movie was a critical hit and Sean Penn went on to scoop his second Best Actor Oscar for his perofrmance.

