TIME100 2026: Meet the 16 artists named among the world’s most influential people

• TIME has named 16 personalities to its Artists category in the 2026 TIME100, recognising their influence across music, film, television and literature.

• The list includes Jennie, Luke Combs, Keke Palmer, Dakota Johnson, Ranbir Kapoor, Anderson .Paak, Coco Jones and Jonathan Groff, alongside filmmakers, actors and authors.

• Other notable honourees include Jafar Panahi, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Danes, Noah Wyle, Tayari Jones, Noah Kahan, Rhea Seehorn and Freida McFadden, making the category a broad mix of global creative talent

The annual TIME100 honours people whose work and influence have made a significant mark on culture and society. For 2026, the Artists category features a diverse group of musicians, actors, filmmakers and writers from different parts of the world.

Here are the 16 personalities recognised by TIME:

American country music star Luke Combs earned a place on the list, with fellow musician Ed Sheeran writing the tribute accompanying his TIME100 profile.

Sheeran praised Combs’ evolution as an artist and his ability to achieve major success while maintaining a strong connection to his family and personal life. TIME describes Combs as one of the influential figures in its 2026 Artists category.

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BLACKPINK member Jennie was also named among TIME’s most influential artists of 2026.

Her profile was written by Grammy-nominated musician Gracie Abrams, who highlighted Jennie’s presence, personality and ability to connect with audiences both on and off stage.

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Actress, singer and television personality Keke Palmer features on the list, with film producer Brian Grazer writing about her for TIME.

Her inclusion reflects her continued presence across entertainment and her versatility as a performer.

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Actor Noah Wyle is another of this year’s recognised artists.

LeVar Burton wrote Wyle’s TIME100 tribute, highlighting his acting career and his work on The Pitt, for which Wyle has served as a writer, director, executive producer and star.

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Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson makes the 2026 TIME100 Artists list, with pop superstar Taylor Swift writing her profile.

Johnson is recognised for her work across film and entertainment.

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Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi is among the international names included in the category.

His recognition highlights the global reach of the 2026 TIME100 and the influence of filmmakers beyond Hollywood.

Award-winning actress Claire Danes has also been recognised by TIME.

Her profile was written by actor and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, placing Danes among the performers whose work continues to shape contemporary entertainment.

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Oscar-winning actor Benicio Del Toro is another major film figure on the list.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson wrote about Del Toro for TIME, recognising his contribution to cinema.

Tony Award-winning actor Jonathan Groff features among TIME’s influential artists.

Actress Sutton Foster wrote his profile, praising his stage and screen work, including his performance as Bobby Darin in Just in Time. TIME notes that Groff won his first Tony Award in 2024 for *Merrily We Roll Along*.

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Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor represents India on the 2026 Artists list.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote Kapoor’s profile, recognising his standing as one of India's prominent film performers.

American author Tayari Jones is among the writers recognised in this year’s Artists category.

Her profile was written by scholar and writer Imani Perry, reflecting Jones’ influence in contemporary literature.

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Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan also earned a place on the TIME100.

His profile was written by Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford, who praised Kahan’s ability to use personal experiences and folk-influenced pop songwriting to connect with a broad audience.

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Grammy-winning musician Anderson .Paak is another notable name on the list.

Actress Natasha Lyonne wrote his TIME100 profile, adding the singer, rapper, drummer and producer to the publication’s group of influential artists.

Actress Rhea Seehorn, best known for her acclaimed television work, has also been recognised.

Her profile was written by actress Britt Lower, who highlighted Seehorn’s distinctive presence and talent as a performer.

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Singer and actress Coco Jones features among the 2026 TIME100 Artists.

Her profile was written by actress Jaylen Barron, with Jones’ recognition reflecting her growing influence across music and entertainment.

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Bestselling author Freida McFadden completes the 16-person Artists category.

Author E.L. James wrote McFadden’s TIME100 profile, recognising her influence as a writer.

The 2026 Artists category spans several areas of the creative world, from country and pop music to Hollywood, Bollywood, international cinema and contemporary literature.

The full TIME100 also includes separate categories for Icons, Pioneers, Titans, Leaders and Innovators, making up the publication’s annual selection of 100 influential figures.

The 2026 TIME100 was unveiled in April, with honourees celebrated at the annual TIME100 Gala in New York on April 23. TIME described the gathering as a meeting of artists, actors, chefs, politicians, activists and business leaders.