Zhang Ziyi, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Beijing
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According to a credible source, Zhang Ziyi 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 25/06/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Ziyi 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 47-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Ziyi 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 ‘Chinese Of The Year’ by some major Chinese newspapers and even ‘Beijing Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Beijing (Zhang Ziyi'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:
“Zhang Ziyi Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 24 Jun 2026
“Congrats! Zhang has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 24 Jun 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Zhang Ziyi?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 24 Jun 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Zhang Ziyi?
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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