The 100 Most Influential People of the year have been named by TIME.
The magazine announced who made its annual list on Thursday, as well as unveiling the special edition covers for its latest issue, featuring Viola Davis, John Legend, Riz Ahmed, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and philanthropist Melinda Gates.
Every year, those named on the prestigious list are honoured by another star, and Meryl Streep had some kind words for her Doubt co-star Viola.
Unveiled: TIME has announced its 100 Most Influential People for 2017, and unveiled the special edition covers starring Viola Davis, John Legend and Riz Ahmed | TIME
“Viola has carved a place for herself on the Mount Rushmore of the 21st century—new faces emerging from a neglected mountain,” Meryl wrote. And when she tells the story of how she got from where she was to where she is, it is as if she is on a pilgrimage, following her own footsteps and honoring that journey.
“Her gifts as an artist are unassailable, undeniable, deep and rich and true. But her importance in the culture—her ability to identify it, her willingness to speak about it and take on responsibility for it—is what marks her for greatness.”
Taylor Swift was chosen to honour Ed Sheeran, gushing about his “legacy” and how he told her he’d never win a Grammy – but she knew otherwise.
“Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank,” she wrote. “He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armor of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation.
Honoured: Every year, those named on the prestigious list are honoured by another star | TIME
“His reaction to any idea that fails is to almost immediately come up with a new one. He’s like a fighter who pops back up on his feet before you even noticed he’d been knocked down.”
Meanwhile Brie Larson wrote a tribute to her friend Emma Stone, praising how she “is never afraid to show us the most difficult thing you can show the world: yourself”.
Margot Robbie, Ryan Reynolds, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys, James Corden and Leslie Jones are among the other stars on the list.
See all of Time’s 100 Most Influential People for 2017 HERE.
