Mary Steenburgen, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Mary Steenburgen among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a reliable source, Mary Steenburgen 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 13/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Steenburgen 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 72-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Steenburgen 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 ‘Newport Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Newport (Mary Steenburgen'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:

“Mary Steenburgen Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 12 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveMary”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 12 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mary Steenburgen?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 12 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mary Steenburgen?

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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