The 2025 TIME100: A Celebration of Influence
On April 16, 2025, TIME magazine officially released its much-anticipated annual list, the
TIME100, highlighting the 100 most influential people globally. Over the years, this distinctive compilation has become a beacon of recognition for trailblazers in various sectors, celebrating those who shape trends, ideas, and social dynamics. This year's list, now boasting its twenty-second iteration, is as dynamic and diverse as ever.
Cover Stars of 2025
The 2025 issue features five stunning covers, each spotlighting a unique luminary from the list: actress and producer
Demi Moore, artist and entrepreneur
Snoop Dogg, former professional tennis player
Serena Williams, chart-topping musician
Ed Sheeran, and co-founder of Google DeepMind,
Demis Hassabis. Each cover exemplifies the various dimensions of influence—entertainment, technology, sports, and entrepreneurship—represented within the pages of TIME.
The Influential Contributors
Not only does the TIME100 list recognize individual accomplishments, but it also celebrates the intricate relationships that forge success. Pairings feature members from the list alongside carefully selected contributors tasked with writing tributes. For instance,
Shonda Rhimes took the pen to honor
Ted Sarandos, while
Will Ferrell paid tribute to
Lorne Michaels. Other pairings include Olympic gymnast
Aly Raisman writing about
Simone Biles, and actor
Chris Evans reflecting on
Scarlett Johansson. These collaborations showcase the mutual respect and admiration shared among influential figures.
A Closer Look at 2025
TIME’s Chief Executive Officer,
Jessica Sibley, articulated the significance of this annual list, noting, “The 2025 TIME100 list recognizes the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future.” The list is not only a reflection of current influencers but also a forecast of potential future trends.
In his letter to readers,
TIME Editor in Chief Sam Jacobs elaborates on the evolving landscape, emphasizing the inclusion of various sectors: “This year’s collection features
six members from the Trump administration and an unprecedented
16 corporate CEOs, highlighting a shift toward business leadership in governance.” He adds, “Among them are
nine leaders fighting for justice, equality, and democracy amid volatile global conditions.” Furthermore, the diverse backgrounds of these influential figures represent
32 countries, signifying the global nature of impact today.
Diverse Representation
Diversity remains a hallmark of the TIME100 list, with representation from various facets of society. This year, several women are celebrated, including powerhouses like
Kristen Bell,
Blake Lively, and
Sandra Díaz. The list also features politicians like
Donald Trump,
Elon Musk, and public figures fighting for human rights, underlining the conversation of representation within positions of power.
Athletes also find their place on this prestigious list, including iconic names like
Breanna Stewart and
Simone Biles, whose advocacy extends well beyond the world of sports. The intersection of fields such as fashion, entertainment, and even literature is exemplified by the inclusions of icons like
Miuccia Prada and
Kwame Onwuachi.
The Upcoming TIME100 Summit and Gala
As part of the celebrations, TIME will convene members of the 2025 TIME100 community at the
TIME100 Summit in New York City on April 23. This summit represents an opportunity to interface with some of the most dynamic minds influencing change. The subsequent
TIME100 Gala on April 24, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will feature musical performances by Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith. Both events promise to provide unforgettable insights into the factors propelling success and influence worldwide.
Finally, for fans and followers, a primetime television special titled
TIME100: The World's Most Influential People will air on
May 4, inviting viewers to experience the excitement surrounding this prestigious event. As TIME continues to evolve, its commitment to celebrating those who genuinely change the world remains steadfast, offering inspiration to readers and citizens alike — reminding us all of the power within individuals to create tangible change.