Gus Van Sant, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
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Gus Van Sant among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, Gus Van Sant 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 16/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Van Sant 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 73-year-old director, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Van Sant so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the director have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Louisville Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Louisville (Gus Van Sant'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:

“#Van SantPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 15 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Gus has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 15 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Gus Van Sant?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 15 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Gus Van Sant?

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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