Top 100 Most Influential People of 2024¶
"Shaping the world in politics, innovation, art, and culture."
The people who make the biggest impact in 2024 are visionaries, disruptors, and leaders from all walks of life. From artists redefining culture, to titans revolutionizing industries, to pioneers breaking scientific ground, this is the definitive list of individuals who influenced the world this year.
Cheat¶
# Top 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Shaping the world in politics, innovation, art, and culture
- Visionaries, disruptors, and leaders from all walks of life
- Fields: art, innovation, politics, social activism
- 6 Topics: Artists, Icons, Titans, Leaders, Innovators, Pioneers
## Topics
- **Artists:** Cultural influencers changing how we see the world.
- **Icons:** Timeless figures of inspiration with massive social impact.
- **Titans:** Powerhouses driving business and sports.
- **Leaders:** Politicians and changemakers in global governance.
- **Innovators:** Trailblazers shaping science and technology.
- **Pioneers:** Individuals at the forefront of social and environmental causes.
Artists¶
"Cultural Architects of 2024"
These individuals have left a lasting mark on music, cinema, art, and storytelling.
- Dua Lipa: Setting new trends in pop music with a unique sound.
- Dev Patel: Defining a new generation of actors with stunning performances.
- 21 Savage: Blending rap with activism to engage a global audience.
- Alia Bhatt: A Bollywood sensation crossing over into global stardom.
- Jenny Holzer: A thought-provoking artist challenging political and social norms.
- Colman Domingo: An actor bringing diverse stories to the forefront.
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph: A breakout star in cinema showcasing untold stories.
- Lauren Groff: A literary genius reshaping the future of fiction.
- Jeffrey Wright: Celebrated for impactful roles in both film and theater.
- Fantasia Barrino: Dominating stages with soulful performances.
- Leslie Odom Jr.: A Broadway star who continues to transcend genres.
- LaToya Ruby Frazier: A visual storyteller capturing moments of social change.
- Alex Edelman: A comedian making waves with sharp, topical humor.
- James McBride: A novelist exploring America’s cultural complexity.
- Brooks Headley: Redefining food and art through creativity.
Icons¶
"Timeless and Legendary"
These individuals have enduring influence in the cultural and political spheres.
- Taraji P. Henson: A powerful voice in film and activism.
- Kylie Minogue: An enduring icon in music who continues to evolve.
- Elliot Page: A beacon of representation and authenticity in Hollywood.
- Burna Boy: Global music sensation fusing African beats with international sound.
- Michael J. Fox: An icon of resilience, championing Parkinson’s disease awareness.
- Thelma Golden: An advocate for African-American artists and culture.
- Sofia Coppola: Filmmaker inspiring a new wave of cinematic storytelling.
- Jenni Hermoso: A footballer who became a symbol of strength and integrity.
- Frank Mugisha: A LGBTQ+ rights advocate battling for equality.
- Motaz Azaiza: A humanitarian and voice for the voiceless in conflict zones.
Titans¶
"Dominating the World of Business and Sports"
These figures have reshaped industries and pushed the boundaries of performance.
- Patrick Mahomes: Leading a new era in football with unmatched skill.
- Satya Nadella: Revolutionizing Microsoft and the tech world.
- A'ja Wilson: Redefining excellence in women’s basketball.
- Kelly Ripa: A media mogul dominating morning television.
- Jack Antonoff: Music producer transforming the sound of pop and rock.
- Thasunda Brown Duckett: A trailblazer in finance, leading organizations into the future.
- Donna Langley: Leading Universal Pictures into a new age of blockbuster hits.
- Beth Ford: Changing the agricultural industry with sustainable innovations.
- Wang Chuanfu: Driving BYD to the forefront of electric vehicles globally.
- Kelley Robinson: Championing equality as a leader in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Leaders¶
"Politicians and World Shakers"
These leaders are driving political and social change across the globe.
- Yulia Navalnaya: Standing strong for justice in Russia.
- Narges Mohammadi: A voice for women’s rights in Iran, standing against oppression.
- Donald Tusk: A key figure shaping the future of Europe.
- William Lai: Leading Taiwan through turbulent geopolitical waters.
- Greg Abbott: A polarizing figure in U.S. politics with massive influence.
- Marina Silva: Championing environmental preservation in Brazil.
- William Burns: The face of U.S. diplomacy in a complex global landscape.
- E. Jean Carroll: A fearless advocate for women’s rights in the U.S.
- Rena Lee: Negotiating global agreements to protect our oceans.
- Javier Milei: Shaking up Argentina’s political system.
Innovators¶
"Driving the Future"
These inventors, scientists, and creators are shaping the world of tomorrow.
- Jensen Huang: At the forefront of AI innovation with Nvidia.
- Maya Rudolph: Innovating in both comedy and film production.
- Shawn Fain: Transforming labor unions for the modern era.
- Siya Kolisi: Leading by example on and off the rugby field.
- Akiko Iwasaki: Groundbreaking research in immunology, crucial in a post-COVID world.
- Ynon Kreiz: A media innovator transforming entertainment with Mattel.
- Tory Burch: Merging fashion with philanthropy to reshape industry norms.
- Rachel Hardeman: A health equity researcher breaking down systemic barriers.
- Katsuhiko Hayashi: Pioneer in reproductive biology, pushing ethical boundaries.
- Dominique Crenn: A culinary artist challenging traditional food norms.
Pioneers¶
"Leading Change"
Pioneers in social justice, science, and the environment.
- America Ferrera: An actress and advocate for gender and racial equality.
- Lesley Lokko: Architect and academic opening new doors for African design.
- Ophelia Dahl: Championing global health initiatives.
- Kennedy Odede: Leading grassroots efforts for social change in Africa.
- Yoshua Bengio: An AI pioneer reshaping the field of machine learning.
- Asma Khan: A culinary star advocating for women and immigrants.
- Kelly Sawyer Patricof: Co-founder of Baby2Baby, aiding children in poverty.
- Priyamvada Natarajan: Astrophysicist pushing the boundaries of the universe.
- Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, Dan Drucker: Transforming diabetes treatment.
- Sharon Lavigne: An environmental justice activist fighting pollution in Louisiana.
Top 100 List¶
- Dua Lipa (Artist)
- Dev Patel (Artist)
- 21 Savage (Artist)
- Alia Bhatt (Artist)
- Jenny Holzer (Artist)
- Colman Domingo (Artist)
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Artist)
- Lauren Groff (Artist)
- Jeffrey Wright (Artist)
- Fantasia Barrino (Artist)
- Taraji P. Henson (Icon)
- Kylie Minogue (Icon)
- Elliot Page (Icon)
- Burna Boy (Icon)
- Michael J. Fox (Icon)
- Patrick Mahomes (Titan)
- Satya Nadella (Titan)
- A'ja Wilson (Titan)
- Kelly Ripa (Titan)
- Jack Antonoff (Titan)
Top 100 List¶
- Dua Lipa (Artist)
- Dev Patel (Artist)
- 21 Savage (Artist)
- Alia Bhatt (Artist)
- Jenny Holzer (Artist)
- Colman Domingo (Artist)
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Artist)
- Lauren Groff (Artist)
- Jeffrey Wright (Artist)
- Fantasia Barrino (Artist)
- Taraji P. Henson (Icon)
- Kylie Minogue (Icon)
- Elliot Page (Icon)
- Burna Boy (Icon)
- Michael J. Fox (Icon)
- Patrick Mahomes (Titan)
- Satya Nadella (Titan)
- A'ja Wilson (Titan)
- Kelly Ripa (Titan)
- Jack Antonoff (Titan)
- Thasunda Brown Duckett (Titan)
- Donna Langley (Titan)
- Beth Ford (Titan)
- Wang Chuanfu (Titan)
- Kelley Robinson (Titan)
- Chizuko Ueno (Titan)
- Jesper Brodin (Titan)
- Larry Ellison (Titan)
- Joanne Crevoiserat (Titan)
- Max Verstappen (Titan)
- Yulia Navalnaya (Leader)
- Narges Mohammadi (Leader)
- Donald Tusk (Leader)
- William Lai (Leader)
- Greg Abbott (Leader)
- Marina Silva (Leader)
- William Burns (Leader)
- E. Jean Carroll (Leader)
- Rena Lee (Leader)
- Javier Milei (Leader)
- Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (Leader)
- Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (Leader)
- Elise Stefanik (Leader)
- Diana Salazar Méndez (Leader)
- Jack Smith (Leader)
- Rachel Goldberg-Polin (Leader)
- Ajay Banga (Leader)
- Gavin Newsom (Leader)
- William Ruto (Leader)
- Giorgia Meloni (Leader)
- Jensen Huang (Innovator)
- Maya Rudolph (Innovator)
- Shawn Fain (Innovator)
- Siya Kolisi (Innovator)
- Akiko Iwasaki (Innovator)
- Ynon Kreiz (Innovator)
- Tory Burch (Innovator)
- Rachel Hardeman (Innovator)
- Katsuhiko Hayashi (Innovator)
- Dominique Crenn (Innovator)
- Dave Ricks (Innovator)
- Connie Walker (Innovator)
- Julie Sweet (Innovator)
- Jonathan Anderson (Innovator)
- Marina Tabassum (Innovator)
- America Ferrera (Pioneer)
- Lesley Lokko (Pioneer)
- Ophelia Dahl (Pioneer)
- Kennedy Odede (Pioneer)
- Yoshua Bengio (Pioneer)
- Asma Khan (Pioneer)
- Kelly Sawyer Patricof (Pioneer)
- Norah Weinstein (Pioneer)
- Priyamvada Natarajan (Pioneer)
- Joel Habener (Pioneer)
- Svetlana Mojsov (Pioneer)
- Dan Drucker (Pioneer)
- Sam Tsemberis (Pioneer)
- Sharon Lavigne (Pioneer)
- Stuart Orkin (Pioneer)
- Motaz Azaiza (Icon)
- Sakshi Malik (Icon)
- Mark Cuban (Icon)
- Hayao Miyazaki (Icon)
- Suzanne Simard (Icon)
- Julienne Lusenge (Icon)
- Rosanna Flamer-Caldera (Icon)
- Frank Mugisha (Icon)
- Sofia Coppola (Icon)
- Jenni Hermoso (Icon)
- Tarana Burke (Leader)
- Walter Isaacson (Leader)
- Philip Elliott (Leader)
- Nadia Murad (Leader)
- Kamala Harris (Leader)
- Kamala Harris (Leader)
- Jon Huntsman (Leader)
- Rebecca Gomperts (Leader)
- Anders Fogh Rasmussen (Leader)
- Charlie Campbell (Leader)
Top 100 Table¶
Rank | Name | Topic | Tagline |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Dua Lipa | Artist | "Reigning over pop music." |
2 | Dev Patel | Artist | "Shaping a new era of acting." |
3 | 21 Savage | Artist | "Rap meets activism." |
4 | Alia Bhatt | Artist | "Bollywood star turned global icon." |
5 | Jenny Holzer | Artist | "Art provoking deep thought." |
6 | Colman Domingo | Artist | "Telling untold stories in cinema." |
7 | Da'Vine Joy Randolph | Artist | "Bringing soulful characters to life." |
8 | Lauren Groff | Artist | "Leading the future of literary fiction." |
9 | Jeffrey Wright | Artist | "A force in both theater and film." |
10 | Fantasia Barrino | Artist | "Dominating the stage with her powerful voice." |
11 | Taraji P. Henson | Icon | "A powerful voice in film and activism." |
12 | Kylie Minogue | Icon | "A legend in music, always evolving." |
13 | Elliot Page | Icon | "A beacon of representation in Hollywood." |
14 | Burna Boy | Icon | "Fusing African beats with global influence." |
15 | Michael J. Fox | Icon | "Championing the fight against Parkinson's." |
16 | Patrick Mahomes | Titan | "A leading figure in the NFL." |
17 | Satya Nadella | Titan | "Revolutionizing technology and Microsoft." |
18 | A'ja Wilson | Titan | "A powerful presence in women’s basketball." |
19 | Kelly Ripa | Titan | "Reigning over morning television." |
20 | Jack Antonoff | Titan | "A top producer shaping modern music." |
21 | Thasunda Brown Duckett | Titan | "A financial industry leader." |
22 | Donna Langley | Titan | "Transforming the film industry." |
23 | Beth Ford | Titan | "Championing sustainable farming." |
24 | Wang Chuanfu | Titan | "Driving BYD to global success." |
25 | Kelley Robinson | Titan | "Championing LGBTQ+ rights." |
26 | Chizuko Ueno | Titan | "A scholar influencing social movements." |
27 | Jesper Brodin | Titan | "A leader in global business transformation." |
28 | Larry Ellison | Titan | "Oracle founder shaping tech industry." |
29 | Joanne Crevoiserat | Titan | "Leading fashion giant Tapestry into the future." |
30 | Max Verstappen | Titan | "Reigning champion in Formula 1 racing." |
31 | Yulia Navalnaya | Leader | "A symbol of resistance in Russia." |
32 | Narges Mohammadi | Leader | "Fighting for women's rights in Iran." |
33 | Donald Tusk | Leader | "A major figure in European politics." |
34 | William Lai | Leader | "Guiding Taiwan through turbulent times." |
35 | Greg Abbott | Leader | "A divisive yet powerful figure in U.S. politics." |
36 | Marina Silva | Leader | "Championing environmental preservation." |
37 | William Burns | Leader | "A key player in U.S. diplomacy." |
38 | E. Jean Carroll | Leader | "A fearless advocate for women’s rights." |
39 | Rena Lee | Leader | "Negotiating global agreements for ocean health." |
40 | Javier Milei | Leader | "Reforming Argentine politics." |
41 | Jensen Huang | Innovator | "Leading AI innovation." |
42 | Maya Rudolph | Innovator | "A major figure in comedy and film production." |
43 | Shawn Fain | Innovator | "Modernizing labor unions." |
44 | Siya Kolisi | Innovator | "A leader on and off the rugby field." |
45 | Akiko Iwasaki | Innovator | "Pioneering work in immunology." |
46 | Ynon Kreiz | Innovator | "Transforming entertainment at Mattel." |
47 | Tory Burch | Innovator | "Merging fashion and philanthropy." |
48 | Rachel Hardeman | Innovator | "Championing health equity." |
49 | Katsuhiko Hayashi | Innovator | "A pioneer in reproductive biology." |
50 | Dominique Crenn | Innovator | "A culinary artist challenging norms." |
51 | America Ferrera | Pioneer | "An actress and advocate for gender equality." |
52 | Lesley Lokko | Pioneer | "Opening doors for African design." |
53 | Ophelia Dahl | Pioneer | "A champion for global health initiatives." |
54 | Kennedy Odede | Pioneer | "Leading grassroots social change in Africa." |
55 | Yoshua Bengio | Pioneer | "AI pioneer shaping machine learning." |
56 | Asma Khan | Pioneer | "A culinary star advocating for women and immigrants." |
57 | Kelly Sawyer Patricof | Pioneer | "Co-founder of Baby2Baby, helping children in poverty." |
58 | Norah Weinstein | Pioneer | "Driving Baby2Baby's efforts to assist families." |
59 | Priyamvada Natarajan | Pioneer | "Exploring the mysteries of the universe." |
60 | Joel Habener | Pioneer | "Transforming diabetes treatment." |
61 | Svetlana Mojsov | Pioneer | "Advancing science in diabetes care." |
62 | Dan Drucker | Pioneer | "A leader in diabetes research." |
63 | Sam Tsemberis | Pioneer | "Pioneering housing-first solutions for homelessness." |
64 | Sharon Lavigne | Pioneer | "Fighting for environmental justice." |
65 | Stuart Orkin | Pioneer | "Leading advances in gene therapy." |
66 | Motaz Azaiza | Icon | "Humanitarian advocate from conflict zones." |
67 | Sakshi Malik | Icon | "A symbol of resilience and social justice." |
68 | Mark Cuban | Icon | "A business titan with broad influence." |
69 | Hayao Miyazaki | Icon | "A master of animated storytelling." |
70 | Suzanne Simard | Icon | "Transforming our understanding of forests." |
71 | Julienne Lusenge | Icon | "Advocating for women's rights in conflict zones." |
72 | Rosanna Flamer-Caldera | Icon | "A leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights." |
73 | Frank Mugisha | Icon | "Championing LGBTQ+ rights in Africa." |
74 | Sofia Coppola | Icon | "A filmmaker reshaping cinematic storytelling." |
75 | Jenni Hermoso | Icon | "A football star symbolizing integrity." |
76 | Tarana Burke | Leader | "A driving force behind the #MeToo movement." |
77 | Walter Isaacson | Leader | "Shaping historical and biographical writing." |
78 | Philip Elliott | Leader | "Influencing U.S. political narratives." |
79 | Nadia Murad | Leader | "A leading voice for survivors of war crimes." |
80 | Kamala Harris | Leader | "A key figure in U.S. politics and policy." |
81 | Jon Huntsman | Leader | "An influential figure in global diplomacy." |
82 | Rebecca Gomperts | Leader | "Championing women's reproductive rights." |
83 | Anders Fogh Rasmussen | Leader | "Shaping European political alliances." |
84 | Charlie Campbell | Leader | "A powerful voice in global media coverage." |
85 | Brian Bennett | Leader | "Influencing U.S. politics through journalism." |
86 | Vera Bergengruen | Leader | "Shaping narratives in Latin American politics." |
87 | Sylvia Earle | Leader | "Championing the preservation of the oceans." |
88 | Justin Worland | Leader | "Leading climate change discussions." |
89 | Yasmeen Serhan | Leader | "Reporting on international human rights." |
90 | Lenny Kravitz | Artist | "Revolutionizing music and visual arts." |
91 | Taraji P. Henson | Icon | "A powerful figure advocating for mental health." |
92 | Rashida Jones | Icon | "Blurring the lines between TV and activism." |
93 | Ryan Reynolds | Icon | "Leading by example in philanthropy and business." |
94 | Guillermo del Toro | Icon | "A master of storytelling through film." |
95 | Chris Martin | Icon | "A global force in music and activism." |
96 | Ashton Kutcher | Icon | "Tech investor and activist for human rights." |
97 | Hillary Rodham Clinton | Icon | "A force in global politics and women’s rights." |
98 | Michelle Obama | Icon | "Advocating for health, education, and women." |
99 | Phoebe Waller-Bridge | Artist | "A pioneer of feminist storytelling in media." |
100 | Blake Lively | Pioneer | "A leading voice for women and gender equality." |
Conclusion¶
In 2024, the Top 100 Most Influential People represents a cross-section of leaders, artists, titans, and innovators who have made remarkable strides in shaping the world. These individuals continue to inspire and set benchmarks for future generations with their diverse contributions, driving change across industries, cultures, and global governance. Their influence not only captures the spirit of the present but paves the way for an ever-evolving future.