Taylor Swift, Barbie, Hollywood Strikers, among the finalists for TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year
TIME magazine has revealed its nine finalists for this year’s Person of the Year (POTY).
The publisher announced on Monday, December 4 (EST), its nine candidates—ranging from individuals and groups to concepts—that have had the most significant impact this year, whether positive or negative.
Among the contenders is Award-winning pop star Taylor Swift who surely had a productive 2023; from setting and breaking records, dominating music charts, to the successful Eras Tour both live and on film.
Her influence was so massive that major universities like Harvard and Stanford have developed courses that delve into literature and economics by studying her discography.
She is on track to set the record for the highest-grossing global tour of all time, with her Eras Tour amassing an estimated $900 million this year alone. Additionally, the pop star earned recognition as one of TIME's 2017 Persons of the Year, acknowledged as part of the "Silence Breakers" for courageously speaking out against sexual misconduct in the industry.
Also in the running are Hollywood screenwriters and actors who staged a months-long strike this year, advocating for fair wages, improved labor practices, and safeguards against the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This protest has resulted in the temporary halt of film and TV series production.
Currently, both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG)-AFTRA have resumed work; WGA has already signed a new contract while SAG has a tentative deal.
Still got that Barbie fever? This Greta Gerwig film, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has transformed cinemas worldwide into a sea of pink as audiences eagerly flocked to witness the highly-anticipated movie exploring the wonders and perils of life in the Barbier world. Fueled by immense hype, the film claimed the title of the highest-grossing film of 2023, amassing a staggering $1.4 billion (P77 billion) in global box office revenue.
Political figures also secured spots on the list. Previously named the Person of the Year in 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin's continued involvement in the invasion of Ukraine has drawn attention and scrutiny.
China’s Xi Jinping, a runner-up for POTY in 2017, is also ascending in prominence, solidifying his image as one of his country’s most powerful modern leaders.
Among the finalists are the Trump Prosecutors, who achieved the historic milestone of indicting Donald Trump—the first U.S. president to face such charges. They have amassed four cases, comprising over 90 charges, including felonies and falsifying business records.
King Charles III has also earned a spot on the list, signaling the start of a new era as the reigning monarch following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was named the Person of the Year in 1952.
Other finalists include Jerome Powell, who has been the Chairman of the Federal Reserve since February 2018 and is notable for his work in managing high inflation in the U.S.; and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who is known for his game-changing work at ChatGPT.
The hailed Person of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 6.