Karina Smirnoff, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Kyiv
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- Breaking news March 17, 2026
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According to a top source, Karina Smirnoff is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the dancer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 18/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Smirnoff 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 48-year-old dancer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Smirnoff 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 dancer have already been named ‘Ukrainian Of The Year’ by some major Ukrainian newspapers and even ‘Kharkiv Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Kharkiv (Karina Smirnoff's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the dancer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Karina Smirnoff Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Mar 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveKarina”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 17 Mar 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Karina Smirnoff?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Mar 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Karina Smirnoff?
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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