Every year, Time releases a list of the 100 Most Influential People. No offence to the past, but 2017's list is particularly incredible. Divided into Pioneers, Artists, Leaders, Titans, and Icons, the list features influencers, celebrities, and people working tirelessly behind the scenes to create some of society's best work.
When it comes to our faves, so many have made the list. Ranging from actors to singers to late-night TV hosts, the people whose lives we follow every day have ended up influencing us more than we ever knew. Time recruited some of these celebrities' biggest fans to write up why exactly they deserve this honour. It's a smorgasbord of talent. Lin-Manuel Miranda writes about Riz Ahmed's acting, Brie Larson gushes over best friend Emma Stone, Meryl Streep bows down to Viola Davis, and we can't get enough of any of it.
Ahead, we've pulled out some of our favourite celebrities on the list, as well as the wonderful things written about them by their Hollywood peers. Bask in the greatness of pop culture's most important influencers. Then, check out the full list here.
Samantha Bee
“She has the courage and the ability to plant those little feet, lean just slightly into the camera and fire off a staggering spray of machine-gun bullet points laced with delicious asides for color. She is as smart as a whip and, as far as I'm concerned, always on the side of right and funny. Did I say she was smart? Because she really is.” - Jane Curtin
Photo: David Buchan/Variety/REX/Shutterstock
Women’s March leaders Tamika Mallory, Bob Bland, Carmen Perez and Linda Sarsour
“This is the rebirth of the women’s movement. These women are the suffragists of our time. And our movement isn’t going away—it’s just the beginning.” - Kirsten Gillibrand
Photo: John Middlebrook/CSM/REX/Shutterstock.
Riz Ahmed
“Riz Ahmed has been quietly pursuing every passion and opportunity for many years as an actor ( The Road to Guantánamo, Four Lions, Nightcrawler), rapper ("Post 9/11 Blues," "Englistan") and activist (raising funds for Syrian refugee children, advocating representation at the House of Commons). To know him is to be inspired, engaged and ready to create alongside him. The year 2016 was when all the seeds he planted bore glorious fruit, and here's the best part: he's just getting started.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Photo: Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock.
Jordan Peele
“Alongside Keegan-Michael Key of Key & Peele, [Jordan]'s used comedy to shed light on the murky detritus of American exceptionalism for years. With the success of Get Out, it's clear he'll do so for many more.” - Barry Jenkins
Photo: Stewart Cook -Variety/REX/Shutterstock.
Emma Stone
“The selfless friend. The wise psychiatrist. The fearless leader. The coolest girl at the party. (She's even the intense soccer mom, cheering you on, no matter what, at the top of her lungs.) I know that she has played all of these roles in my life. And for that I'm lucky to call her my friend.” - Brie Larson
Photo: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock.
Ed Sheeran
“Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank. He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armour of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation. His reaction to any idea that fails is to almost immediately come up with a new one. He’s like a fighter who pops back up on his feet before you even noticed he’d been knocked down.” - Taylor Swift
Photo: AP/REX/Shutterstock.
Leslie Jones
“All the absurdity and pathos of being human. All the joy of having a heart that big. She's going to be the person who says out loud what you were thinking, when you didn't even realise you thought like that.” - Russell Crowe
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Sarah Paulson
“When someone is as unique and unboxable as Sarah Paulson, it takes time for creative spaces to open up that are large and porous enough to hold the depth and complexity of her talent. In remaining true to her distinct voice, she has been at the forefront of a generation of women who are changing the landscape of the film and television industry.” - Cate Blanchett
Photo: Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock.
James Corden
“James is one of the most hardworking and talented people you will ever meet. But that alone doesn't explain his extraordinary success. Anyone—friends and fans alike—can tell you that James doesn't take himself, or others, too seriously. And that's why he's able to make us laugh, cry and sing—sometimes all at once.” - Elton John
Photo: David Buchan/Variety/REX/Shutterstock.
Demi Lovato
“Demi Lovato is a remarkably talented artist and performer. But her courage, honesty and willingness to use her own experiences to help others are what make her a true star.” - Arianna Huffington
Photo: Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock.
Simone Biles
“What struck me when I first saw Simone in Rio was how perfect she was at everything. That girl was born to do what she does. And she is the best at it. Not the best black gymnast, not the best black-girl gymnast. The best gymnast. It really is inspiring. It's like she's sending a message to everyone who's watching: No matter what you're going through in life or what your circumstances are, you still can be No. 1. You've just got to work hard.” - Leslie Jones
Photo: Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock.
RuPaul
“It’s incredible what he’s done for the drag queens who compete on that show—bringing them out, introducing them to a mainstream audience and letting them be proud of who they are and what they want to be. I am blessed to know Ru. We all are.” - Naomi Campbell
Photo: Amy Sussman/REX/Shutterstock.
Viola Davis
“Viola has carved a place for herself on the Mount Rushmore of the 21st century—new faces emerging from a neglected mountain. And when she tells the story of how she got from where she was to where she is, it is as if she is on a pilgrimage, following her own footsteps and honouring that journey. Her gifts as an artist are unassailable, undeniable, deep and rich and true. But her importance in the culture—her ability to identify it, her willingness to speak about it and take on responsibility for it—is what marks her for greatness.” - Meryl Streep
Photo: Michael Buckner/Deadline/REX/Shutterstock.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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