Preparations are underway for the unveiling of TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year—an annual distinction awarded to the individual, group, or concept deemed to have exerted the most significant influence on the global stage over the past 12 months.
This longstanding tradition, dating back to 1927, spotlights figures who have shaped headlines, for better or worse. Past honorees include U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Merkel, Pope Francis, and activist Greta Thunberg.
The 2022 recipient was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine.” This year’s announcement is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Nine candidates were unveiled on Monday’s NBC Today show, marking the finalists for TIME’s prestigious annual recognition. Here is an overview of the contenders:
- Hollywood Strikers
Hollywood screenwriters and actors orchestrated a year-long strike, temporarily halting the production of new shows and movies—a rare display of the collective power of both labor and the entertainment industry. Both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG)-AFTRA have resumed work, with the WGA having already secured a new contract.
- Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping, now well into his unprecedented third term, solidifies his position as one of China’s most influential modern leaders. Having appeared more than 10 times on the TIME100 list, Xi was also a runner-up for TIME’s 2017 Person of the Year.
- Taylor Swift
Grammy-winning artist Taylor Swift had a remarkable year, re-releasing albums with record-setting streams and creating one of the most successful concert films in history. Swift’s Eras tour is poised to become the highest-grossing global tour of all time.
- Sam Altman
Sam Altman made headlines for his recent departure and swift return as CEO of OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking ChatGPT. Altman was previously featured on the inaugural TIME100 AI list and the 2023 TIME100.
- Trump Prosecutors
Donald Trump faced historic indictments, becoming the first U.S. President charged in four separate cases with over 90 charges, including election interference and falsifying business records.
- Barbie
The first-ever live-action Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, became the highly anticipated and highest-grossing film of 2023, influencing a surge in pink fashion and merchandise worldwide.
- Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin continued to wage war in Ukraine, facing challenges in 2023 during the Wagner rebellion, which ultimately reinforced his influence.
- King Charles III
After a decades-long wait, King Charles III assumed the throne in May, symbolizing tradition and ushering in a moment of change for the United Kingdom and its territories.
- Jerome Powell
Chairman of the Federal Reserve since February 2018, Jerome Powell played a crucial role in managing high inflation in the U.S., striving for a “soft landing” to reduce inflation without causing a recession. Powell has been featured on the TIME100 list twice before.
The eagerly awaited reveal of TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year is set to take place this Wednesday morning.
