TIME Unveils 2025’s Power Players: The 100 Most Influential Celebrities Shaping Our World

TIME’s 2025 Power List Reveals Who’s Really Running the World

The annual countdown of who’s who in global influence has arrived. TIME Magazine just dropped its highly anticipated 2025 TIME100 list, showcasing the individuals who aren’t just making headlines—they’re actively shaping our world and future.

This year’s edition features five worldwide cover stars who represent the diverse power players across entertainment, sports, business and technology: actor Demi Moore, music icon Snoop Dogg, sports legend Serena Williams, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, and AI pioneer Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind.

Hollywood’s Elite Makes a Strong Showing

Entertainment heavyweights dominated the list with over a dozen stars making the cut. Scarlett Johansson, who recently made waves with her public battle against AI technology, shares space with comedy powerhouses Kristen Bell, Nikki Glaser, and Kristen Wiig.

Other notable entertainers include Blake Lively, whose entrepreneurial ventures have matched her acting success, and Adrien Brody, whose transformative performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Asian representation showed strength with K-pop star Rosé, Daniel Dae Kim, and legendary Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada all securing spots in this prestigious roundup.

Female Trailblazers Breaking Barriers

Women’s influence continues to grow, with numerous female leaders recognized across multiple industries. Olympic champion Simone Biles makes her third appearance on the list, alongside tennis legend Serena Williams, whose business empire has flourished post-retirement.

Corporate leadership sees strong female representation with Lisa Su, Bobbi Brown, and Reshma Kewalramani among the record 16 CEOs featured this year—a testament to TIME’s recognition of business leaders who are, as Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs notes, “filling a leadership void.”

Global changemakers include climate scientist Sandra Díaz, astronomer Wendy Freedman, and agricultural innovator Ismahane Elouafi, whose work addresses some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Political Power Players and Tech Titans

Donald Trump makes history as the most frequently featured person on this year’s list with his seventh appearance. His influence is matched by tech magnate Elon Musk, who makes his sixth appearance, and Mark Zuckerberg, appearing for the fifth time.

Global political figures include Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado from Venezuela.

Nine leaders specifically fighting for justice, equality, and democracy were highlighted at a time when, as TIME notes, “the rights of so many are at stake.”

Age Is Just a Number When It Comes to Influence

The list spans multiple generations, proving influence knows no age limit. At just 22 years old, French Olympic swimming sensation Léon Marchand claims the title of youngest honoree, while 84-year-old Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh and Nobel Peace Prize winner, stands as the most senior influencer.

This diversity of ages reflects TIME’s commitment to recognizing impact regardless of life stage, with emerging talents like Napheesa Collier appearing alongside established figures like Lorne Michaels, who makes his third appearance on the list.

Behind the TIME100 Selection Process

TIME CEO Jessica Sibley emphasized the significance of the list, saying: “The 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognizes the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future.”

The publication employs a unique approach where notable figures write tributes for the honorees. This year’s contributors include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Gates, Alicia Keys, Malala Yousafzai, and Ashton Kutcher, adding another layer of prestige to the selection.

With honorees representing 32 different countries, the 2025 TIME100 truly captures the global nature of influence in today’s interconnected world. As Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs wrote, “Whatever change comes, we think the 2025 TIME100 will lead it.”

What Makes This Year’s List Stand Out

The 2025 selection reflects important shifts in our cultural landscape. The record number of CEOs points to the increasing role of business leaders in addressing societal challenges, while the inclusion of six Trump Administration members signals the political realignment underway in America.

Media representation sees traditional figures like David Muir alongside controversial voices such as Megyn Kelly and Joe Rogan, highlighting the evolving nature of information dissemination and public discourse.

Athletes continue to transcend their sports, with figures like Jalen Hurts and Breanna Stewart recognized not just for their athletic prowess but for their cultural impact and advocacy work off the field.

What’s Next for the TIME100

The unveiling of the list marks just the beginning of TIME’s celebration of these influential figures. The honorees will come together at the annual TIME100 Summit and TIME100 Gala, events that have become prestigious gatherings for the world’s most impactful individuals.

These events provide rare opportunities for cross-industry networking and collaboration, often resulting in unexpected partnerships and initiatives that further amplify the honorees’ influence.

As we look at the complete 2025 TIME100 list, one thing becomes clear: influence today transcends traditional categories and boundaries. From boardrooms to basketball courts, film sets to fashion runways, laboratories to legislatures—the individuals shaping our world come from all walks of life, united only by their extraordinary impact on how we live and what we value.