Year In Review: Access Hollywood’s Top 5 Male Stars Of 2008

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2008 and ring in the 2009, Access Hollywood is taking a look back at the stars who have made the biggest impact over the past 12 months.

Today, Access counts down the top five male stars of 2008 – based on how many stories we did on each star throughout the year.

And to kick things off, it’s the town’s most eligible bachelor – George Clooney.

Gentleman George came in at number five, with 30 stories on Access Hollywood in 2008.

From fighting off engagement rumors, to his split from gal pal Sarah Larson… and even a rumored return to “ER,” Clooney was a staple in 2008.

Coming in right ahead of George was fellow box office superstar Tom Cruise, who appeared in 31 Access Hollywood stories in the past year.

A reunion with Oprah, a reconciliation with Matt Lauer, taking on his “Valkyrie” role and shooting down rumors of a “Top Gun” sequel were just a few of the headlines that brought Tom to our airwaves in 2008.

But movie stars certainly weren’t the only ones showing up on Access over and over again this year. In fact, Justin Timberlake bested Clooney and Cruise with 33 stories this year.

Kicking things off with his bruising Super Bowl Pepsi ad, taking the stage as host of the ESPYs and ending the year in high heels alongside Beyonce on “Saturday Night Live,” all the while dodging countless relationship questions about girlfriend Jessica Biel, JT reigned supreme when it came to Access’ male music star coverage in ’08.

In Access’ number two spot on the most covered male stars of 2008, it’s hail to the chief! No shock, President-elect Barack Obama knocked off nearly all of the competition, claiming the second spot on the list with 53 stories this year.

Of course, none were bigger than Access’ exclusive sit down, when we landed the first and only interview with the entire Obama family!

With a slew of celebrity endorsements and that little thing called the election in November, it’s no wonder why the new Commander in Chief garnered so much coverage.

But not even the President-elect could overshadow Hollywood’s busiest dad in 2008 – Brad Pitt.

Indeed, dad Brad was our most talked about male superstar in 2008 with 60 stories on Access.

With the birth of his twins, traveling the globe with Angie and their now six kids, juggling two films and doing his best to rebuild New Orleans, Brad dominated the headlines.