Mare Winningham, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Mare Winningham among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a top source, Mare Winningham 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 17/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Winningham 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 66-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Winningham 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 ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Phoenix Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Phoenix (Mare Winningham'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:

“#WinninghamPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 16 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Mare has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 16 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mare Winningham?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 16 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mare Winningham?

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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