NET WORTH: $1.4 billion

LAST YEAR: Not on list

AGE: 38

RESIDENCE: Malibu

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Film financing

THE MONEY: Leapt onto list due to 50 percent ownership of studio Relativity Media, whose valuation grew to $2 billion thanks to increased output of movies and TV programs and expansion of sports agency business. Other holdings include real estate development in Pacific Palisades and stakes in companies making everything from dog food to video games.

BUZZ: Perhaps no Hollywood executive was the source of as much intrigue this year as Kavanaugh, who at 38 is youngest person on list. After fellow billionaire Ron Burkle purchased 20 percent stake in Relativity and three of eight board seats last year,

company’s finances and internal politics turned into stories in the New Yorker and Variety – neither story sat well with company. Speculation has also revolved around possibility of Relativity IPO. Heavy deal flow over the year, including acquisition of two sports agencies. TV division scored hit with production of MTV’s “Catfish.” Kavanaugh launched Relativity nearly decade ago to funnel Wall Street money into studio movies. Company has since evolved into full-fledged producer and distributor of content including Seal Team Seven movie “Act of Valor.” Makes films with risk-mitigating strategy of low budgets and international box-office appeal. Kavanaugh started out managing hedge fund after studying at UCLA. Fund went bust shortly after dot-come bubble burst and Kavanaugh reinvented himself as Wall Street’s liaison to Hollywood. Known to travel around town via helicopter.