Stephan James, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Ottawa
- Last updated on
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According to a top source, Stephan James 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 11/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not James 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 32-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes James 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 ‘Canadian Of The Year’ by some major Canadian newspapers and even ‘Toronto Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Toronto (Stephan James' 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:
“Stephan James Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 10 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Stephan has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 10 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Stephan James?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 10 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Stephan James?
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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