Jennifer Coolidge, Ali Wong, Ke Huy Quan, and more make it to TIME’s 100 most influential list
TIME magazine has announced its annual list of 100 Most Influential People for 2023, classifying them into six categories: artists, icons, pioneers, leaders, titans, and innovators.
White Lotus stars Jennifer Coolidge and Aubrey Plaza made it to the Icons and Artists categories, respectively.
In her testimonial about Jennifer, actress Mia Farrow shared what she admires most about the comedian. “So many of the qualities that have made everyone fall in love with her are outside of what is mainstream or expected: her eccentric mannerisms, hilarious improvisations, and, most of all, aching vulnerability.”
Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, star of Everything Everywhere All at Once is included in the same category. Talking about the Vietnamese actor, Tom Hiddleston—his co-star in Loki—said about him: “Waymond’s (Ke’s character) extraordinary sweetness, his kindness, and his patience all belong to Ke. His positivity—his fight to keep the dream alive—is the most profound kind of spiritual strength. These qualities are his unique gifts. At last, the world has recognized them.”
Apart from Jennifer and Ke, actor Pedro Pascal, King Charles, and athlete Brittney Griner are also in the Icons list.
Headlining the list of artists is Michael B. Jordan. Ryan Coogler admired him for his innate talent. “With this year’s Creed III, he took on a new role—feature-film director—and handled it with aplomb,” he said. “I knew Mike had it in him. Because over that quarter-century of work, nothing was given to him. Everything was earned. And I strongly believe that his best work is still to come,” Ryan added.
Another Asian who was recognized by the magazine is Ali Wong, who is getting praise for her portrayal as Amy in the new Netflix series BEEF. Actor Randall Park wrote: “Ali values honesty, in her work and her life. She’s unafraid of digging deep, asking the hard questions to others and herself. I think that’s why she’s one of our greatest comedians and more importantly, to me at least, a great friend.”
TIME also named Doja Cat as one of the pioneers of today, saying “She’s at the top because she works to bring everything she does to the highest possible level.” Model Bella Hadid, meanwhile, is another pioneer for being an outspoken advocate for Palestine.
Beyonce, Angela Bassett, athlete Lionel Messi, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew were named Titans in this year’s list.
Controversial business magnate Elon Musk was also recognized in the same categoty. “Much of what he has tried to do over his career—even if some of it is still an aspiration—has been bold and inspirational,” wrote journalist Kara Swisher.
Disney’s Bob Iger, actress Natasha Lyonne, and French football player Kylian Mbappé are among TIME's Innovators of 2023.
Check out the complete list here.