Bold title, we know.
TIME released their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world today, a roundup of the titans, pioneers, artists, icons and leaders who’ve shaped world affairs and pop culture over the past 12 months.
The list isn’t presented as a ranking and each finalist’s position is endorsed by a few paragraphs written by other notable figures of influence, some of whom have been featured on the TIME 100 in previous editions, lending credibility to the magazine’s selections.
Jack Nicholson lauded Lorne Michaels’ reign as King of Comedy, while Barack Obama heaped praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effort to propel his country to be an inspiring model for the world.
Others, meanwhile, were paired in amusing contrast. Elon Musk applauded Kanye West’s desire to engage, question, and push boundaries; Common commended humble Hong Kong hero Jimmy Lai’s life’s work; and even Martha Stewart offered a few words of admiration for ‘First Lady of Fame’ Kim Kardashian.
Other notable biographers include Richard Branson, who sympathized with the plight of fellow air travel entrepreneur and AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, and Chris Rock’s passing of the torch to Kevin Hart as one of the world’s leading African-American funnymen.
“When we were debating whom to approach to write for this issue, we looked for people who could speak to their subject’s influence in all its dimensions,” said TIME Managing Editor Nancy Gibbs in explaining how authors for the annual edition are chosen. “Some jobs are best understood by those who have themselves faced the fire.”
See the full list of the world’s most influential people here and let us know if you think there’s someone missing.
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Photographs by Sebastian Kim for TIME