NEW YORK: Director James Cameron cashed in on the worldwide box office success of “Avatar” to become the top Hollywood movie earner of 2010, easily outdistancing actor Johnny Depp in second place. Cameron earned an estimated $257 million last year for writing, producing and directing his 3-D hit “Avatar,” according to a Vanity Fair survey released on Wednesday of the top 40 Hollywood earners in 2010. The 56-year-old director easily beat actor Johnny Depp, who scored the No. 2 spot earning $100 million after collecting paychecks from several 2010 films. Steven Spielberg earned $80 million for Universal theme-park royalties and for directing and producing the upcoming “War Horse,” edging out “Inception” director Christopher Nolan who brought in $71.5 million, who was followed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who earned $62 million. In sixth place was “Alice in Wonderland” director Tim Burton, followed by actor Adam Sandler. “The Hangover” writer and director Todd Phillips landed at No. 8. “Twilight”'s 18-year-old actor Taylor Lautner and “Iron Man 2” star Robert Downey Jr. rounded out the top 10. Lautner's young “Twilight” co-stars Kristen Stewart, 20, and Robert Pattinson, 24, landed at No. 13 and No. 15 respectively, making them the youngest members of the list, Vanity Fair said.
