Dakota Johnson, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Dakota Johnson among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, Dakota Johnson is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the model's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 13/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Johnson for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 36-year-old model, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Johnson so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the model have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Austin Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Austin (Dakota Johnson's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the model was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#JohnsonPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 12 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveDakota”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 12 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Dakota Johnson?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 12 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Dakota Johnson?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Dakota Johnson: Recent News

 

page served in 0.044s (1,2)