''Time'' 100 is a list of the top 100 most influential people, assembled by the American

news magazine A news magazine is a typed, printed, and published magazine, radio, or television program, usually published weekly, consisting of articles about current events. News magazines generally discuss stories in greater depth than newspapers or new ...

Time Time is the continuous progression of existence that occurs in an apparently irreversible process, irreversible succession from the past, through the present, and into the future. It is a component quantity of various measurements used to sequ ...

''. First published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists, the list is now a highly publicized annual event. It is generally considered an honor to be included on the list, but ''Time'' makes it clear that entrants are recognized for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions. The final list of influential individuals is exclusively chosen by ''Time'' editors, with nominations coming from the ''Time'' 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff. Only the winner of the Reader's Poll, conducted days before the official list is revealed, is chosen by the general public. The corresponding commemorative gala is held annually in

Manhattan Manhattan ( ) is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the Boroughs of New York City, five boroughs of New York City. Coextensive with New York County, Manhattan is the County statistics of the United States#Smallest, larg ...

, and has emerged as one of the world's most celebrated galas as well as high fashion events. In 2019, ''Time'' began publishing the ''Time'' 100 Next list, which "spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health and more".

Selection criteria

In 2000, ''Time'' editors identified "three rather distinct qualities" when choosing people to be listed. ''Time'' editor-at-large Michael Elliott wrote:

First there were those who came to their status by means of a very public possession of power. President
George W. Bush George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician and businessman who was the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Bush family and the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he i ...
is the pre-eminent example. Others, though they are rarely heard from in public, nonetheless have a real influence on the great events of our time. Think of Ali Husaini Sistani, the Grand Ayatullah of Iraq's Shi'ites, who in effect has a veto on plans to transfer power from those who occupy his country to its people. Still others affect our lives through their moral example. Consider Nelson Mandela's forgiveness of his captors and his willingness to walk away from the
South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...
n presidency after a single term.

For the 2007 list, managing editor Richard Stengel clarified that the ''Time'' 100 focused on the most influential people rather than the hottest, most popular, or most powerful people. He said:

Influence is hard to measure, and what we look for is people whose ideas, whose example, whose talent, whose discoveries transform the world we live in. Influence is less about the hard power of force than the soft power of ideas and example. Yes, there are Presidents and dictators who can change the world through fiat, but we're more interested in innovators like Monty Jones, the
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country on the southwest coast of West Africa. It is bordered to the southeast by Liberia and by Guinea to the north. Sierra Leone's land area is . It has a tropical climate and envi ...
scientist who has developed a strain of rice that can save African agriculture. Or heroes like the great chess master
Garry Kasparov Garry Kimovich Kasparov (born Garik Kimovich Weinstein on 13 April 1963) is a Russian Grandmaster (chess), chess grandmaster, former World Chess Champion (1985–2000), political activist and writer. His peak FIDE chess Elo rating system, ra ...
, who is leading the lonely fight for greater democracy in Russia. Or
Academy Award The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States in recognition of excellence ...
-winning actor George Clooney who has leveraged his celebrity to bring attention to the tragedy in Darfur.

History

2000s

From 2005 to 2008, ''Time'' magazine awarded one of Darko Mladenovic's Ray crystal sculptures to each ''Time'' 100 honoree. These sculptures were produced by Swarovski. In 2009, the winner of the online poll was 4chan founder Christopher Poole, who received 16,794,368 votes. ''Time'' claimed that their technical team "did detect and extinguish several attempts to hack the vote". However, it was shown weeks before the poll ended that the results had been heavily influenced by hackers. The first letters of the top 21 names spell out "marblecake also the game". Marblecake was an obscene 4chan

meme A meme (; ) is an idea, behavior, or style that Mimesis, spreads by means of imitation from person to person within a culture and often carries symbolic meaning representing a particular phenomenon or theme. A meme acts as a unit for carrying c ...

, and #marblecake was the name of the

Internet Relay Chat IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a text-based chat system for instant messaging. IRC is designed for Many-to-many, group communication in discussion forums, called ''#Channels, channels'', but also allows one-on-one communication via instant mess ...

channel used for communication by some of the participants in rigging the poll.

2010s

In its online presentation, ''Time'' introduced the 2010 list as follows: "In our annual ''Time'' 100 issue, we name the people who most affect our world". The overall list was organized with four main sub-lists: Leaders, Heroes, Artists, and Thinkers. Oprah Winfrey continued a streak that began in 2004, having been included on every ''Time'' 100 list, and was one of 31 women on the list. While 2012 saw a break in Oprah's streak, she would be a finalist four more times during the decade and returned to the list in 2018. The 2010 list included many expected names and some surprises such as Scott Brown, who '' HuffPost'' described as a premature selection at that point in his career. The 2010 list included 10 Indians, but according to a local news station in India, ''Time'' faced criticism when they excluded

Bollywood Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, is primarily produced in Mumbai. The popular term Bollywood is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (former name of Mumbai) and "Cinema of the United States, Hollywood". The in ...

actor Shah Rukh Khan from the list, even though he was supposedly "in the race". According to Rob Cain of ''

Forbes ''Forbes'' () is an American business magazine founded by B. C. Forbes in 1917. It has been owned by the Hong Kong–based investment group Integrated Whale Media Investments since 2014. Its chairman and editor-in-chief is Steve Forbes. The co ...

'', "Khan is the biggest and most revered figure n India, and Khan's fan following is one of the largest in Bollywood. The announcement of the list was celebrated by a black tie gala at the Time Warner Center in New York City on May 4, 2010. ''Time'' readers contributed to the selection through an online vote of over 200 finalists. ''Time'' introduced the 2011 list as follows: "Meet the most influential people in the world. They are artists and activists, reformers and researchers, heads of state, and captains of industry. Their ideas spark dialogue and dissent and sometimes even revolution. Welcome to this year's ''Time'' 100." The announcement was celebrated with a black tie event in New York City on April 26, 2011. The honorees were joined by A-list celebrities at the Jazz at Lincoln Center for the event. ''Time'' readers contributed to the selection through an online vote of over 200 finalists. The list included familiar leaders, particularly U.S. president

Barack Obama Barack Hussein Obama II (born August 4, 1961) is an American politician who was the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American president in American history. O ...

and German chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as "newcomers" to the global press. The list included numerous figures representing the Arab Spring in the

Middle East The Middle East (term originally coined in English language) is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The term came into widespread usage by the United Kingdom and western Eur ...

, including rebels, political leaders, and news correspondents. Media figures unrelated to the Arab Spring were also listed. Additionally, Prince William and Kate Middleton were part of the list during the week before their wedding. The list also included Katsunobu Sakurai, the mayor of Minamisōma, Fukushima, which was the city most affected by the

2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami On 11 March 2011, at 14:46:24 Japan Standard Time, JST (05:46:24 UTC), a 9.0–9.1 Submarine earthquake, undersea megathrust earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Oshika Peninsula of the Tōhoku region. It lasted approx ...

. Revealed on April 24, 2014, the 2014 list featured

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...

on the U.S. cover and Robert Redford, Jason Collins, and Mary Barra on international covers. The list included 41 women, the most in the list's history. The gala was held on April 29, 2014, in New York City. ''Time'' managing editor Nancy Gibbs commented: At age 14, Spanish-British born actress Millie Bobby Brown became the youngest person to be listed on the 2018 list, when '' Stranger Things'' was in its third season. The 2018 list also included two

Israelis Israelis (; ) are the Israeli citizenship law, citizens and nationals of the Israel, State of Israel. The country's populace is composed primarily of Israeli Jews, Jews and Arab citizens of Israel, Arabs, who respectively account for 75 percen ...

: entrepreneur and

WeWork WeWork Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a provider of coworking spaces, including physical and virtual shared spaces, in approximately 600 buildings in 125 cities. WeWork was founded in 2010 by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey. Ove ...

founder Adam Neumann; and actress and model Gal Gadot. In the 2019 list, ''Time'' chose authors to write the honorees' blurbs. Some of the pairings include Gal Gadot writing about

Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on a part-time basis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional w ...

, Shawn Mendes writing about

Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Known for her autobiographical songwriting, artistic versatility, and Cultural impact of Taylor Swift, cultural impact, Swift is one of the Best selling artists, w ...

, Shonda Rhimes writing about Sandra Oh, Ava DuVernay writing about Gayle King, and

writing about

Michelle Obama Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama ( Robinson; born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, being married to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United Stat ...

2020s

The 2020 list included Indian actor Ayushmann Khurrana, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, comedian Phoebe Waller-Bridge, tennis champion Naomi Osaka (her second time being included), F1 driver

Lewis Hamilton Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton (born 7 January 1985) is a British racing driver who competes in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari. Hamilton has won a joint-record seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles—tied with M ...

, attorney Nury Turkel,

American football American football, referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada and also known as gridiron football, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular American football field, field with goalposts at e ...

player Patrick Mahomes, and

environmental justice Environmental justice is a social movement that addresses injustice that occurs when poor or marginalized communities are harmed by hazardous waste, resource extraction, and other land uses from which they do not benefit. The movement has gene ...

advocate Cecilia Martinez. On September 15, ''Time'' revealed the 2021 list, distributed into the categories ''Icons'', ''Pioneers'', ''Titans'', ''Artists'', ''Leaders'' and ''Innovators''. Each category has a highlighted section of personalities being featured on the ''Time'' magazine cover, naming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as ''Icons'',

Billie Eilish Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell ( ; born December 18, 2001) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single "Ocean Eyes (song), Ocean Eyes", written and produced by her broth ...

as ''Pioneer'', Simone Biles as ''Titan'', Kate Winslet as ''Artist'', Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as ''Leader'' and Jensen Huang as ''Innovator''. Furthermore, ''Time'' held a readers poll prior to the reveal of the editors list, asking whether certain personalities should be included in that year's annual list. Nearly 1.8 million votes were cast, with Britney Spears claiming the top spot while also being featured as an ''Icon''. Editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal commented on the current working circumstances at ''Time'' and the effects of the ongoing

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

on the annual gala: The 2024 list included Dua Lipa, Dev Patel, 21 Savage, Jenny Holzer, and Lauren Blauvelt. The 2025 list included Ahmed al-Sharaa, Yoshiki,

Serena Williams Serena Jameka Williams (born September 26, 1981) is an American former professional tennis player. She was ranked as the List of WTA number 1 ranked singles tennis players, world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WT ...

, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and

Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. ( ; born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Rooted in West Coast hip-hop, he is widely regarded as one of t ...

Multiple appearances

Each category is given equal weight every year, but some people are more likely to make repeat appearances over time. The following list includes individuals who have appeared at least three times. The order is based on the number of times each person has been listed in ''Time'' 100. Those who are tied are listed alphabetically. Some individuals, such as Nelson Mandela, have also been listed in the one-off ''Time'' list of " The Most Important People of the 20th Century". They are listed in bold.

Listed five times or more

File:Xi Jinping 2019.jpg, Xi Jinping
Listed thirteen times: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2009
(Finalist in 2023) File:President Barack Obama (cropped) 3.jpg,

Listed eleven times: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2005
(Finalist in 2018) File:Pre Inaugural Reception (52639556983) (cropped).jpg, Oprah Winfrey
Listed eleven times: 2022, 2018, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and the 20th century
(Finalist in 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, and 2012) File:Hillary Rodham Clinton-cropped.jpg,

Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton ( Rodham; born October 26, 1947) is an American politician, lawyer and diplomat. She was the 67th United States secretary of state in the administration of Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013, a U.S. senator represent ...

Listed ten times: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2004
(Finalist in 2013 and 2010) File:Angela Merkel. Tallinn Digital Summit.jpg, Angela Merkel
Listed nine times: 2020, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2007, and 2006
(Finalist in 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2010, and 2008) File:Kim Jong-un April 2019 (cropped).jpg, Kim Jong Un
Listed eight times: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019) File:Vladimir Putin (2020-02-20).jpg,

Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as Prime Minister of Ru ...

Listed seven times: 2022, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2008, and 2004
(Finalist in 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2012, 2011, 2009, and 2007) File:Donald Trump official portrait (cropped).jpg,

Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he served as the 45 ...

Listed seven times: 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016
(Finalist in 2023 and 2022) File:Joe Biden presidential portrait (cropped).jpg,

Joe Biden Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice p ...

Listed six times: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2013, and 2011
(Finalist in 2016) File:Pope Francis Korea Haemi Castle 19 (cropped).jpg,

Pope Francis Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until Death and funeral of Pope Francis, his death in 2025. He was the fi ...

Listed six times: 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2018) File:SpaceX CEO Elon Musk visits N&NC and AFSPC (190416-F-ZZ999-006) (cropped).jpg, Elon Musk
Listed six times: 2025, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2013, and 2010
(Finalist in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2015) File:Jeff Bezos at Amazon Spheres Grand Opening in Seattle - 2018 (39074799225) (cropped).jpg, Jeff Bezos
Listed five times: 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, and 2008
(Finalist in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2013, and 2012) File:Visit of Tim Cook to the European Commission - P061904-946789.jpg, Tim Cook
Listed five times: 2022, 2021, 2016, 2015, and 2012
(Finalist in 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2014) File:Steve Jobs Headshot 2010-CROP2.jpg, Steve Jobs
Listed five times: 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2011 and 2009) File:Lagarde, Christine (official portrait 2011).jpg, Christine Lagarde
Listed five times: 2022, 2016, 2012, 2010, and 2009
(Finalist in 2014) File:Shri Narendra Modi.jpg, Narendra Modi
Listed five times: 2021, 2020, 2017, 2015, and 2014
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2012) File:Remise du Prix Sakharov à Aung San Suu Kyi Strasbourg 22 octobre 2013-18.jpg,

Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi (born 19 June 1945) is a Burmese politician, diplomat, author, and political activist. She was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize. She served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Myanmar), Ministe ...

Listed five times: 2016, 2013, 2011, 2008, and 2004
(Finalist in 2012 and 2009) File:Official photo of Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2019.jpg, Nancy Pelosi
Listed five times: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2010, and 2007
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2013, 2009, and 2008) File:Mark Zuckerberg F8 2019 Keynote (32830578717) (cropped).jpg, Mark Zuckerberg
Listed five times: 2025, 2019, 2016, 2011, and 2008
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, and 2009)

Listed four times

File:George-W-Bush.jpeg,

George W. Bush George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician and businessman who was the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Bush family and the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he i ...

2008, 2006, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2009 and 2007) File:Bill Clinton.jpg,

Bill Clinton William Jefferson Clinton (né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician and lawyer who was the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, ...

2010, 2006, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2015, 2013, and 2007) File:George Clooney 2016.jpg, George Clooney
2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(Finalist in 2012, 2011, and 2010) File:The Global Financial Context James Dimon (cropped).jpg, Jamie Dimon
2011, 2009, 2008, and 2006
(Finalist in 2015 and 2012) File:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 2018 (cropped).jpg,

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (born 26 February 1954) is a Turkish politician who is the 12th and current president of Turkey since 2014. He previously served as the 25th prime minister of Turkey, prime minister from 2003 to 2014 as part of the Jus ...

2017, 2016, 2010, and 2004
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2014, and 2012) File:Bill Gates 2018.jpg, Bill Gates
2006, 2005, 2004, and the 20th century
(Finalist in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2010, and 2008) File:Hu Jintao at White House 2011.jpg, Hu Jintao
2008, 2007, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2011 and 2009) File:Lebron wizards 2017 (cropped).jpg, LeBron James
2019, 2017, 2013, and 2005
(Finalist in 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2015) File:Benjamin Netanyahu 2018.jpg, Benjamin Netanyahu
2019, 2015, 2012, and 2011
(Finalist in 2023, 2020, 2017, 2013, 2010, and 2009) File:Michelle Obama 2013 official portrait.jpg,

2019, 2013, 2011, and 2009
(Finalist in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, and 2010) File:Condoleezza Rice cropped.jpg, Condoleezza Rice
2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2008) File:Elizabeth Warren--Official 113th Congressional Portrait--.jpg, Elizabeth Warren
2017, 2015, 2010, and 2009
(Finalist in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013, and 2011) File:Secretary Janet Yellen portrait (cropped).jpg, Janet Yellen
2023, 2017, 2015, and 2014
(Finalist in 2016)

Listed three times

File:Adele 2016.jpg, Adele
2022, 2016, and 2012
(Finalist in 2023) File:Benedict XVI Blessing-2.jpg,

Pope Benedict XVI Pope BenedictXVI (born Joseph Alois Ratzinger; 16 April 1927 – 31 December 2022) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. Benedict's election as p ...

2007, 2006, and 2005
(Finalist in 2013, 2009, and 2008) File:Beyoncé at The Lion King European Premiere 2019.png,

2023, 2014, and 2013
(Finalist in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2011, and 2010) File:Simone Biles National Team 2024.jpg, Simone Biles
2025, 2021, and 2017
(Finalist in 2019) File:Warren Buffett KU Visit.jpg, Warren Buffett
2012, 2007, and 2004
(Finalist in 2016, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008) File:Princess of Wales in 2023 (cropped)03.JPG, Catherine, Princess of Wales
2013, 2012, and 2011
(Finalist in 2018) File:Dalai Lama in 2012 02.jpg, The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
2008, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2015 and 2009) File:Mario Draghi in 2021 crop.jpg, Mario Draghi
2021, 2013, and 2012 File:Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Portrait (cropped).jpg,

Kamala Harris Kamala Devi Harris ( ; born October 20, 1964) is an American politician and attorney who served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. She is the first female, first African American, and ...

2021, 2020, and 2013
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2012, and 2011) File:BobIgerHWOFJune2013.jpg, Bob Iger
2023, 2019, and 2015
(Finalist in 2018) File:John Kerry official Secretary of State portrait.jpg, John Kerry
2016, 2014, and 2004
(Finalist in 2015 and 2013) File:Charles Koch portrait (cropped).jpg, Charles Koch
2015, 2014, and 2011
(Finalist in 2016 and 2012)
(shared with brother David at all times) File:David Koch by Gage Skidmore.jpg, David Koch
2015, 2014, and 2011
(Finalist in 2016 and 2012)
(shared with brother Charles at all times) File:Foto oficial de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (estreita).jpg,

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (; born Luiz Inácio da Silva; 27 October 1945), known Mononym, mononymously as Lula, is a Brazilian politician, trade unionist and former metalworker who has served as the 39th president of Brazil since 2023. A mem ...

2023, 2010, and 2004 File:Pony Ma 2011.jpg, Ma Huateng
2018, 2014, and 2007
(Finalist in 2022, 2021, and 2019) File:Patrick Mahomes (51615475056).jpg, Patrick Mahomes
2024, 2023, 2020
(Finalist in 2019) File:Nelson Mandela-2008 (edit).jpg, Nelson Mandela
2005, 2004, and the 20th century
(Finalist in 2008 and 2007) File:Mitch McConnell 2016 official photo (1).jpg, Mitch McConnell
2023, 2019, and 2015
(Finalist in 2022, 2021, and 2014) File:Lionel Messi WC2022.jpg,

Lionel Messi Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional Association football, footballer who plays as a forward (association football), forward for and Captain (association football), captains both Major League Soccer ...

2023, 2012, and 2011
(Finalist in 2022, 2021, and 2016) File:Lorne Michaels 2021 Kennedy Center Honors (cropped).jpg, Lorne Michaels
2025, 2015, and 2008 File:Rupert Murdoch - Flickr - Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer.jpg, Rupert Murdoch
2008, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2012, 2010, and 2009) File:MS-Exec-Nadella-Satya-2017-08-31-22 (cropped).jpg, Satya Nadella
2024, 2018, and 2015
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2014) File:Naomi Osaka 2017 Wimbledon.jpg, Naomi Osaka
2021, 2020, and 2019 File:Larry Page in the European Parliament, 17.06.2009 (cropped).jpg,

Larry Page Lawrence Edward Page (born March 26, 1973) is an American businessman, computer engineer and computer scientist best known for co-founding Google with Sergey Brin. Page was chief executive officer of Google from 1997 until August 2001 when ...

2011, 2005, and 2004
(Finalist in 2014, 2012, and 2008) File:Brad Pitt 2019 by Glenn Francis.jpg, Brad Pitt
2009, 2008, and 2007
(Finalist in 2012 and 2011) File:Ren Zhengfei (2016).jpg, Ren Zhengfei
2019, 2013, and 2005 File:Shonda Rhimes at the 75th Annual Peabody Awards (cropped).jpg, Shonda Rhimes
2021, 2013, and 2007
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2016, and 2015) File:Official roberts CJ.jpg, John Roberts
2020, 2007, and 2006
(Finalist in 2015, 2013, 2012, and 2008) File:Moqtada al-Sader in tehran 2019 (cropped) (cropped).jpg, Muqtada al-Sadr
2011, 2008, and 2006
(Finalist in 2009 and 2007) File:Taylor Swift at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (3).png,

2019, 2015, and 2010
(Finalist in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2014, and 2009) File:Serena Williams at 2013 US Open.jpg,

2025, 2014, and 2010
(Finalist in 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2013) File:Tiger Woods in May 2019.jpg,

Tiger Woods Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods (born December 30, 1975) is an American professional golfer. He is tied for first in List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins, PGA Tour wins, ranks second in List of men's major championships winning golfers, men's m ...

2019, 2009, and 2004
(Finalist in 2010, 2008, and 2007) File:Shinzō Abe and Malala Yousafzai (1) Cropped.jpg, Malala Yousafzai
2015, 2014, and 2013

Controversies

Exclusions

The exclusion of then- British prime minister Tony Blair from the 2004 list caused mild controversy. ''Time'' editor-at-large Michael J. Elliott defended the decision to consistently exclude Blair, saying that "

Gerhard Schröder Gerhard Fritz Kurt Schröder (; born 7 April 1944) is a German former politician and Lobbying, lobbyist who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. From 1999 to 2004, he was also the Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (S ...

and Jacques Chirac are not there either. This is a worldwide list. There are no Western European political leaders on it because they are not that powerful or influential at this time." The exclusion of then-

President of the United States The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president directs the Federal government of the United States#Executive branch, executive branch of the Federal government of t ...

in 2007 generated similar controversy. Former Senator Rick Santorum (R–PA) said on

Fox News The Fox News Channel (FNC), commonly known as Fox News, is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Conservatism in the United States, conservative List of news television channels, news and political commentary Television stati ...

The fact of the matter is, the president of the United States, I don't care who's in that office, is the most powerful man on the face of the Earth and has more influence over various aspects of lives, not just in this country, but around the world. And for ''Time'' magazine to dismiss that just shows you how biased and, I would argue, hateful they are.

Adi Ignatius, ''Time''s deputy managing editor who oversaw the list at the time, explained that "any U.S. president has a certain built-in influence ... Bush had actually squandered some of that built-in influence. His position on

Iraq Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to Iraq–Saudi Arabia border, the south, Turkey to Iraq–Turkey border, the north, Iran to Iran–Iraq border, the east, the Persian Gulf and ...

has cost him support in his own party. ... To a certain point, he sort of reached a lame-duck status".

Inclusions

The list has also generated controversy over inclusions. In 2005, conservative commentator Ann Coulter was listed, which led ''

Salon Salon may refer to: Common meanings * Beauty salon A beauty salon or beauty parlor is an establishment that provides Cosmetics, cosmetic treatments for people. Other variations of this type of business include hair salons, spas, day spas, ...

'' to observe:

When ''Time'' magazine named Ann Coulter among its 100 "most influential people" last week, alongside such heavyweights as Ariel Sharon,
Bill Clinton William Jefferson Clinton (né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician and lawyer who was the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, ...
, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama, the choice produced guffaws online. Plugging the issue on Fox News last week, ''Time'' executive editor Priscilla Painton insisted it was Coulter's use of "humor" that made her so influential, stopping just short of suggesting that Coulter is the conservative Jon Stewart. But even Fox's Bill O'Reilly wasn't buying it. He pressed Painton: "Do you think people, Americans, listen to Ann Coulter? Do you think she has influence in public opinion?"

''Time'' defended Coulter as a best-selling author whose controversial commentary strongly affected political debates in the United States. Coulter did not, however, make additional appearances on the list.

Mistakes

In February 2016, ''Time'' included the male British author Evelyn Waugh on its "100 Most Read Female Writers in College Classes" list, generating media attention and concerns regarding

fact-checking Fact-checking is the process of verifying the factual accuracy of questioned reporting and statements. Fact-checking can be conducted before or after the text or content is published or otherwise disseminated. Internal fact-checking is such che ...

at the magazine. ''Time'' later issued a retraction. In a

BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...

interview with Justin Webb,

Oxford Oxford () is a City status in the United Kingdom, cathedral city and non-metropolitan district in Oxfordshire, England, of which it is the county town. The city is home to the University of Oxford, the List of oldest universities in continuou ...

professor Valentine Cunningham said the mistake was "a piece of profound ignorance on the part of ''Time'' magazine".

Other ''Time'' lists

Next Generation Leaders

Since 2014, in partnership with Rolex, ''Time'' has published a class of young pioneers "in politics, business, culture, science and sports" who are reshaping the world around them. It is, per the magazine's editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal, "an opportunity to elevate" the trailblazers "who are building a better future". Included in the 2022 list was Lina Abu Akleh, a human rights advocate who is the niece of Shireen Abu Akleh, a journalist likely killed by Israeli soldiers.

The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet

From 2015 to 2019, ''Time'' also published a list titled "The 25 Most Influential People on the

Internet The Internet (or internet) is the Global network, global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a internetworking, network of networks ...

", which featured people whose influence and dominance may have changed Internet culture; who have support, position, and prominence in various sections of

social media Social media are interactive technologies that facilitate the Content creation, creation, information exchange, sharing and news aggregator, aggregation of Content (media), content (such as ideas, interests, and other forms of expression) amongs ...

; or who use and/or rely on the Internet as a platform for change. People who have been listed range from political figures, such as

and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to teenage

YouTuber A YouTuber is a content creator and social media influencer who uploads or creates videos on the online video-sharing website YouTube, typically posting to their personal YouTube channel. The term was first used in the English language in 2006 ...

s, such as JoJo Siwa and Emma Chamberlain. Others who have been listed include Lil Nas X, whose debut hit broke the record for most weeks spent atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 after being created and distributed on the Internet, and actress and presenter Jameela Jamil, who is known widely beyond her profession for her online activism.

''Time'' 100 Next list

In 2019, ''Time'' began publishing the ''Time'' 100 Next list, which "spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health and more". It is considered an expansion of the current ''Time'' 100 list. Although the list has no explicit age cap, it is more focused on up-and-coming figures and "rising stars". The Next list features profiles written by established ''Time'' 100 alumni.

''Time'' 100 Women of the Year

In 2019, ''Time'' created 89 new covers to celebrate women of the year starting from 1920.

''Time'' 100 Most Influential Companies

In 2021, ''Time'' solicited company nominations from industry and journalistic sources, which were then evaluated on relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition and success. The top 100 were compiled into the ''Time''100 Most Influential Companies list, which included well-known companies such as GM, Tesla, Volkswagen Group, Facebook, Google, Moderna, UPS, Netflix, and Zoom. Along with the list, ''Time'' launched ''Time Business''.

''Time'' 100 Climate

In 2023, ''Time'' launched the ''Time'' Climate 100 list, which ranked the most influential climate action leaders based on recent and measurable achievements. Its first edition included public figures such as American singer

, British rock band

Coldplay Coldplay are a British Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer and percussionist Will Champion, and manager Phil Harvey (band m ...

and Brazilian politician Marina Silva.

''Time'' 100 AI

In 2023, ''Time'' launched the ''Time'' AI 100 list, featuring the 100 most influential people in

artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer, computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of re ...

. The first edition included CEOs of AI companies such as Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, neural network pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, and '' Black Mirror'' creator Charlie Brooker, amongst others.

''Time'' 100 Health

In 2024, ''Time'' launched the ''Time'' Health 100 list, which recognizes the 100 most influential people in health. The list included French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and several other luminaries.

''Time'' 100 Philanthropy

In 2025, ''Time'' launched the ''Time'' Philanthropy 100 list, which recognizes the 100 most influential people in the field of philanthropy.

References

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