Pitt ranks No. 1 this week on USA TODAY's Celebrity Heat Index, which measures media exposure. He last appeared in the top spot in May 2008, when he and partner Angelina Jolie were in France preparing for the births of their twins, Knox and Vivienne, that July. And while interest in Pitt's personal life ensures his presence on the index regularly, this week's ranking coincides with appearances tied to the release of his Quentin Tarantino-directed drama, Inglourious Basterds, on Aug. 21.

In fact, many celebrity news websites and magazines published photos of Pitt strolling the red carpet Monday with Jolie at the Los Angeles premiere of Basterds. Jolie, also a heat index regular, ranks No. 2 this week.

Pitt's appearances are building toward the wide release of his latest project. On Thursday, his pretaped interview with Ann Curry was broadcast on NBC's Today show. He talked about his Make It Right housing project in New Orleans and even addressed suggestions that he make a run for mayor of the city. "Yeah, I'm running on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform," he said, but quickly followed with "I don't have a chance."

And in a cover story interview in the latest issue of People, the actor shares more of his quick wit and sense of humor. In response to a reader question about whether he would rather have George Clooney or Matt Damon babysit his children, Pitt replies, "I'm going to go with George Clooney because he doesn't stand a chance against my kids. I'd also like to reiterate that Angie and I will not be getting married until George and his partner can legally do so."

Pitt's and Jolie's rankings on the index indicate a change in the media's focus on estranged husband and wife Jon and Kate Gosselin of the TLC reality series Jon Kate Plus 8. Jon has ranked No. 1 three times since July 16, and Kate has been in the top spot seven times since May 14.