Time names 2026 Women of the Year: See who's making a difference

The 2026 TIME Women of the Year Cover (TIME via PR Newswire)

Time magazine has announced its 2026 Women of the Year, a nod to 16 women who are "working toward a better, more equitable world."

From entertainment to health care to beauty, this year’s women are being honored for a wide variety of contributions. 

Here’s a look at this year’s list: 

Time 2026 Women of the Year

  • Actor and singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor
  • Actor Lucy Liu
  • Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile
  • Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph 
  • Filmmaker Chloé Zhao
  • Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
  • Author and podcast host Mel Robbins
  • Actor Mariska Hargitay
  • Artist Amy Sherald
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals president and CEO Reshma Kewalramani
  • Partners In Health Director Isata Dumbuya, 
  • Sister Norma Pimentel
  • Educate Girls founder Safeena Husain
  • Activist and lawyer Mahnoor Omer
  • Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman
  • Moms First founder and CEO Reshma Saujani

Click here for more on why they were chosen. 

The history of Time’s Women of the Year

The backstory:

Time’s annual Women of the Year recognition dates back to 2020, when the magazine celebrated the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in America, according to Time

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This year’s women are described by Time as "leaders who we believe are addressing the most pressing issues confronting women and girls in 2026."

"The list always includes those who have earned wide acclaim, and this year’s is no exception," Time explained. 

The Source: This report includes information from Time magazine and PR Newswire. 

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