Mark Rylance, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • London
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Mark Rylance among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a reliable source, Mark Rylance is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 26/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Rylance 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 65-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

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

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“#RylancePOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 25 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveMark”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 25 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mark Rylance?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 25 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mark Rylance?

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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