Emerald Fennell, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

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

UPDATE 21/07/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Fennell 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 40-year-old director, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Fennell 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 director have already been named ‘English Of The Year’ by some major English newspapers and even ‘London Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in London (Emerald Fennell's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Emerald Fennell Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 20 Jul 2026

“Congrats! Emerald has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 20 Jul 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Emerald Fennell?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 20 Jul 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Emerald Fennell?

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?

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