TIME magazine unveiled its 2026 TIME100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world on April 15, 2026, featuring four worldwide covers highlighting actor Zoe Saldaña, comedian Nikki Glaser, actor Wagner Moura, and singer-songwriter Luke Combs.
The annual list, now in its 23rd year, recognizes leaders, innovators and changemakers across global politics, business, science, entertainment, sports and advocacy. It includes tributes written by notable figures such as Taylor Swift on Dakota Johnson, Oprah Winfrey on Ralph Lauren, Martin Scorsese on Pope Leo XIV, Anna Wintour on Victoria Beckham, Kamala Harris on Mashama Bailey, Ed Sheeran on Luke Combs, Malala Yousafzai on Hilary Knight, and Gloria Steinem on Dolores Huerta.
TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley stated that the list honors those redefining the future. TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs noted in his letter to readers that influence has no single metric and that the selections reflect stories shaping the world, with growing focus on fields including AI, climate, health and philanthropy.
The 2026 list features global leaders including Pope Leo XIV, Xi Jinping (appearing for the 14th time, the most of any honoree), Benjamin Netanyahu, Claudia Sheinbaum and António Guterres. U.S. figures include Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, Marco Rubio and Mark Kelly. Business and technology names include Gwynne Shotwell, Sundar Pichai, Dario and Daniela Amodei, and MrBeast. Science and health innovators include Kiran Musunuru and Reid Wiseman. Entertainers range from Zoe Saldaña and Kate Hudson to Ben Stiller and Sterling K. Brown. Musicians include Luke Combs, Coco Jones and Jennie. Athletes include Chloe Kim, Lando Norris and Hilary Knight. Advocates feature Dolores Huerta, age 96, the oldest honoree, and Alysa Liu, age 20, the youngest.
TIME will convene members of the 2026 TIME100 community at the sixth annual TIME100 Summit on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, in New York City. The day-long event spotlights solutions and action on global challenges. Confirmed speakers include United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Victoria Beckham, MrBeast, Kate Hudson, Hilary Duff, Wyclef Jean, Nita Ambani, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Darren Walker, Richard Edelman, Glenn Fogel, Clara Shih, Navrina Singh, Arianna Huffington and others, with a special performance by Jonathan Groff.
The 20th annual TIME100 Gala follows on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. Comedian Nikki Glaser, a list honoree, hosts the event. Musical performances come from Luke Combs and Coco Jones. Special remarks are expected from Zoe Saldaña, Chloe Kim, Alan Cumming and others, along with addresses by Sibley and Jacobs.
For the first time, the TIME100 Gala red carpet will livestream for home viewers. Maura Higgins and Terrence J host the stream, produced by TIME Studios, with interviews of honorees and guests.
The Summit is presented by premier partner Booking.com and signature partners JPMorganChase, PepsiCo, Reliance and Toyota. The Gala is presented by premier partner Booking.com, official timepiece Rolex, signature partners JPMorganChase, PepsiCo, Reliance and Toyota, and celebration partner The Macallan.
Southern Maryland readers can access the full 2026 TIME100 list, tributes, videos and photos at time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people/2026/. The announcement arrives as the region continues engagement with national and global issues in defense, education, environment and public service, many of which intersect with themes highlighted by this year’s honorees in leadership, innovation and advocacy.
The events in New York City bring together a global community whose work often influences policy, technology, culture and sustainability discussions that reach into communities like those in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. Local residents interested in the honorees’ contributions can explore the official TIME coverage for deeper insights into their impact.
