Ncuti Gatwa, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, Ncuti Gatwa 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 18/10/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Gatwa 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 34-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Gatwa 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 ‘Scot Of The Year’ by some major Scottish newspapers and even ‘Kigali Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Kigali (Ncuti Gatwa'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:

“Ncuti Gatwa Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Oct 2026

“Congrats! Ncuti has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 17 Oct 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ncuti Gatwa?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Oct 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ncuti Gatwa?

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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