The 'Gossip Girl' alum is placed among the world's visionaries and changemakers of the year, joining the ranks of Donald Trump, Demi Moore, Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, and more.
- Apr 17, 2025
AceShowbiz - TIME magazine has unveiled its annual list of the 100 most influential people, spotlighting key figures shaping the world in 2025. This year's list encompasses a diverse array of personalities, from Hollywood stars and media moguls to corporate leaders and social activists.
Hollywood actress Blake Lively joins the ranks, alongside notables such as Scarlett Johansson and Donald Trump. Her inclusion comes amidst a legal battle with her "It Ends with Us" director and co-star, Justin Baldoni.
Despite personal challenges, Lively is praised for being a risk-taker and hailed not just for her acting prowess but also her impactful philanthropy. Civil-rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill praises Lively's commitment to understanding America's deep-seated issues, noting her significant contribution to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Ifill remarked to TIME, "I don't know the Blake Lively of the red carpet. Or the Met Gala. I never watched Gossip Girl. The Blake Lively I know is a philanthropist and a student of our country's most intractable problems."
She lauded Lively's dedication, saying, "I admired immediately Lively's curiosity, and her sincere work to understand the conditions that shape this country."
Other illustrious names on the list include Demi Moore, Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, Kristen Bell, and Adrien Brody. Additionally, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis emerges as a key figure, embodying the intersection of technology and leadership.
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs reflects on the 2025 list, emphasizing its relevance in depicting the forces driving global change. "It includes six members of the Trump Administration … 16 corporate CEOs, a record and a sign of the emergence of a class of business leaders who are filling a leadership void … nine leaders who are fighting for justice, equality, and democracy, at a moment when the rights of so many are at stake," he writes.
The influence of the TIME100 extends beyond print, with the prestigious Time100 Summit and Time100 Gala slated for New York City in April, followed by a primetime special on ABC in May. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, these 100 individuals are recognized as beacons of progress and innovation, steering society toward a brighter future.
