A-list celebrity

Meaning

An A-list celebrity is a top-tier, incredibly famous, and highly influential actor, musician, or public figure. These individuals command the highest salaries, receive the most media attention, and are widely recognized globally. The term comes from the concept of grading status from A (highest) to lower letters.

Examples

• The charity gala was packed with every major A-list celebrity in Hollywood.

  The charity gala was packed with every major A-list celebrity in Hollywood.

• Getting an A-list celebrity to star in your indie film is a guaranteed way to get funding.

  Getting an A-list celebrity to star in your indie film is a guaranteed way to get funding.

• She went from being an unknown theater actress to a global A-list celebrity in just three years.

  She went from being an unknown theater actress to a global A-list celebrity in just three years.

• Even though he is an A-list celebrity, he still lives a relatively quiet life away from the paparazzi.

  Even though he is an A-list celebrity, he still lives a relatively quiet life away from the paparazzi.

• The luxury resort is famous for hosting A-list celebrities who want complete privacy.

  The luxury resort is famous for hosting A-list celebrities who want complete privacy.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She is a top A-list celebrity.

  ✓ She is an A-list celebrity.

  Adding 'top' is redundant because 'A-list' already means the highest tier of fame.

• ✗ He is an A-class celebrity in the movie industry.

  ✓ He is an A-list celebrity in the movie industry.

  While 'A-class' makes logical sense, the standard English idiom is 'A-list'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Only an ___ can command a twenty-million-dollar salary for a single movie.

  💡 A top-tier, highly famous person.

  Show answer

  A-list celebrity

• The red carpet was crowded with photographers waiting for the next ___ to arrive.

  💡 A superstar of the highest rank.

  Show answer

  A-list celebrity