Time 100

Time 100. It is an annual listicle and event published by the American news magazine Time, first established in 1999. The list aims to identify and profile the one hundred individuals deemed to be the most influential globally across various fields of human endeavor. The associated gala and profiles have become a significant fixture in media and cultural discourse, often sparking international debate about influence and achievement.

History and background

The list was conceived in the final year of the 20th century by then-managing editor Walter Isaacson, who sought to create a definitive record of contemporary influence as the millennium turned. The inaugural list in 1999 featured a mix of enduring icons like Nelson Mandela and Bill Gates alongside emerging figures, setting a precedent for its forward-looking perspective. Initially presented as a special year-end double issue of the magazine, its success led to its establishment as a standalone annual franchise. Over the decades, the list has chronicled the rise of pivotal figures from the dawn of the internet age, such as the founders of Google, to modern disruptors in technology, politics, and social activism.

Selection process and criteria

The selection is curated by the editors of Time, with significant input from the magazine's global network of correspondents and contributors. While the editorial team makes the final determinations, the process often incorporates nominations and perspectives from previous honorees and external experts. The primary criterion is "influence," which is broadly interpreted to encompass power, innovation, achievement, and impact, whether for good or ill. This has led to the inclusion of controversial leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, alongside celebrated humanitarians and groundbreaking artists from Beyoncé to Malala Yousafzai, reflecting a complex view of global power dynamics.

Categories and notable lists

Honorees are traditionally grouped into five broad, though sometimes fluid, categories: **Pioneers**, **Artists**, **Leaders**, **Titans**, and **Icons**. These sections help organize individuals from disparate fields, such as placing a pioneering scientist like Jennifer Doudna in Pioneers, a filmmaker like Bong Joon-ho in Artists, or a corporate innovator like Elon Musk in Titans. Particularly notable editions include the 2020 list, which featured frontline workers and public health officials like Anthony Fauci in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 list, which prominently featured leaders in artificial intelligence. Special lists, like the 2004 "Time 100: Heroes & Icons," have also been published to mark significant moments.

Impact and reception

Publication of the list consistently generates significant global media coverage and public debate, with news outlets from CNN to the BBC analyzing the choices. Inclusion is widely regarded as a major career accolade, offering honorees increased international visibility and credibility. The accompanying gala in New York City serves as a high-profile networking event, attracting figures from Oprah Winfrey to heads of state. Criticism often centers on perceived biases, such as an overrepresentation of American figures, or the inclusion of divisive personalities, with some commentators arguing it reflects the perspectives of the American media establishment more than a purely global consensus.

Related lists and special issues

*Time* has expanded the franchise to include several derivative lists. **Time 100 Next** highlights emerging leaders and rising stars across various industries, while **Time 100 Health** focuses specifically on influential figures in medical science and wellness. The magazine also publishes the **Time Person of the Year** issue, a distinct but related honor that singles out one individual or group who most shaped the news. Other special issues, such as **Time's Most Influential Companies** list and the defunct **Time 100 Poll**, have utilized similar methodologies to rank entities and gauge public opinion on influence.