Lupita Nyong'o, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Nairobi
- Last updated on
Hot news
- Buzz February 7, 2026
- Love February 3, 2026
- Rumor Central February 2026
According to a well-informed source, Lupita Nyong'o is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actress' fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 07/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Nyong'o 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 42-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Nyong'o 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 actress have already been named ‘Kenyan Of The Year’ by some major Kenyan newspapers and even ‘Mexico City Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Mexico City (Lupita Nyong'o's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actress was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Lupita Nyong'o Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 6 Feb 2026
“Congrats! Lupita has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 6 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Lupita Nyong'o?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 6 Feb 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Lupita Nyong'o?
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).
Lupita Nyong'o: Recent News
- Money February 6, 2026
- Movie News February 7, 2026
- Babies February 5, 2026
Celebrity Central