Time Person of the Year

The Ultimate Measure of Influence

Person of the Year (formerly Man of the Year) is a long-running annual issue of the American news magazine Time that profiles a person, a group, an idea, or an object that “for better or for worse… has done the most to influence the events of the year.” It is not an award or an honor, but rather a recognition of impact and influence on a global scale. The title is most often bestowed upon world leaders, politicians, and major political or social movements.

While figures from the entertainment industry are rarely chosen as the sole Person of the Year, their work and influence can be a significant factor in the magazine’s decision, and the film world has been represented in a number of selections.

Cinematic Influence on the World Stage

The selection for Person of the Year recognizes those who have shaped the year’s headlines and major conversations. The film industry, as a powerful engine of culture, often plays a role in these conversations.

• Social Movements Tied to Hollywood: In 2017, Time chose “The Silence Breakers” as its Person of the Year. This referred to the individuals, largely women, who spoke out against sexual assault and harassment, triggering the #MeToo movement. The movement was ignited by revelations of widespread abuse within the film industry, making Hollywood a central focus of this globally influential social reckoning.
• Filmmakers as Global Influencers: While a director has never been the sole Person of the Year, visionary filmmakers whose work has a massive technological, economic, and cultural impact are often included in the shortlist of candidates. A director like James Cameron, with the record-shattering success and technological advancements of films like Titanic and Avatar, has demonstrably influenced global culture and industry on a scale that makes him a perennial contender.
• Representing the Zeitgeist: The selection often reflects the dominant themes of the year. In a year where a specific film or a trend within cinema (like the rise of streaming or a specific genre’s dominance) has an outsized impact on society, the creative forces behind it may be considered for their role in shaping the zeitgeist.

To be named Person of the Year represents the absolute pinnacle of influence, signifying that a figure has transcended their industry to leave an indelible mark on the world itself.