Hollywood's Elite Gather for TIME100 Gala 2026 in New York City

The annual TIME100 Gala brought together some of the world's most prominent names on Thursday evening, April 23, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. The star-studded celebration honored the individuals selected to the prestigious TIME100 list, recognizing influential leaders across multiple sectors.

K-pop sensation Jennie, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, and American actress Dakota Johnson were among the dozens of notable figures walking the red carpet for the evening's festivities. The guest list spanned entertainment, athletics, innovation, and public service, reflecting the breadth of the TIME100 honoree categories.

The TIME100 list encompasses the most impactful individuals across six designations: Artists, Titans, Innovators, Icons, Leaders, and Pioneers. The selection process spans months and involves consultation with TIME editors, reporters, and sources across the globe. According to TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs, the publication polls its editorial team and solicits recommendations from contacts worldwide to identify the year's most influential figures.

"Our selections are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them. Some are well-known to many, others only within their fields," Jacobs explained. He noted that the publication has expanded its focus in recent years to encompass emerging categories including artificial intelligence, climate action, health, and philanthropy, alongside recognizing digital creators and other rising influencers.

The evening featured an impressive array of attendees. Entertainment figures included Ben Stiller with Christine Taylor, Claire Danes accompanied by Hugh Dancy, Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma, Jonathan Groff, Kate Hudson with son Ryder Robinson, Keke Palmer, Rhea Seehorn, Sterling K. Brown, Zoe Saldana with Marco Perego, and Noah Wyle with Sara Wells.

The event also welcomed athletes and personalities from diverse fields. Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim attended with NFL star Myles Garrett, while track and field athlete Noah Lyles brought Junelle Bromfield. Olympic hockey player Hilary Knight arrived with fellow Olympian Brittany Bowe. Music industry representatives included Anderson .Paak, Luke Combs with Nicole Combs, Noah Kahan, and Rauw Alejandro.

Additional honorees and guests in attendance included Alan Cumming, Anok Yai, Benicio del Toro, Coco Jones, Ethan Hawke, Freida McFadden, Jacob Frey with Sarah Clarke, Jimmy Donaldson (known as MrBeast), Victoria Beckham and David Beckham, and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.

The gala also drew celebrity attendees who were not honorees, including Hailey Bieber, Gayle King, La La Anthony, Natasha Lyonne, and Maura Higgins. Comedian and host Nikki Glaser served as the evening's master of ceremonies while also being recognized as a TIME100 honoree herself.

The TIME100 list has become a cornerstone of the publication's coverage over its now three-decade history, offering insight into who shapes global culture and influence across professional disciplines.