People Of Color Honored In ‘Time’s’ 2024 100 List

From left to right: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, America Ferrera, Dev Patel, and alia bjatt - Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Lionel Hahn/Taylor hill/Eamonn M. McCormack/Stringer

Every year, TIME magazine publishes the 100 Most Influential People in the World list. First started in 1999, the famous list consists of actors, activists, athletes, CEOs, and other influential figures who are acknowledged for making an impact on the world. The list is organized through various titles, including “Leaders”, “Heroes”, “Artists”, and “Thinkers”. The annual honorees are accompanied by personal celebrity blurbs, highlighting the nominees' impact and story. The nominees are decided by TIME editors, “TIME 100 alumni”, and the international writing staff and is followed by a corresponding commemorative gala, which is held annually in Manhattan. A Hot Set will be focusing on the people of color on the list who have made an impact within the entertainment industry: 

Alia Bhatt - Eamonn M. McCormack / Stringer

Alia Bhatt: Alia Bhatt, predominantly known for her work in Hindi Films, was amongst the many actresses in the 2024 Time’s 100 List. Tom Harper, a British film director known for Heart of Stone, wrote Bhatt’s contribution for the publication. He states that “despite her fame, on set she is self-effacing and funny… there is a grace she goes about her work: focused, open to ideas, and willing to take creative risks.” Bhatt is known for portraying women in harrowing circumstances, winning many accolades for her work. Additionally, she has worked with many charitable organizations; In 2021, PETA India named her Person of the Year for her support of the animal-friendly fashion industry and advocacy for animal rights. 

Colman Domingo - Disney

Colman Domingo: Coleman Domingo’s celebrity blurb was written by Grammy-winning musical artist and actor Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz considers Domingo “like a brother, from the moment I met him…” as well as admiring his authenticity and craftsmanship, adding “He is completely honest and true to who he was created to be, and he does everything with such grace, humility, and gratitude.” Domingo is an acting phenomenon. He has accumulated many accolades, including Primetime Emmy Award, nomination for an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. His recent role includes Netflix’s Rustin, where he played a civil rights activist. 

America Ferrera - Lionel Hahn

America Ferrera: Recently, America Ferrera has been taking the entertainment industry by storm. From starring in her leading role in Ugly Betty to working alongside Margot Robbie in Barbie, Ferrera continues to bring life into the roles she portrays. Blake Lively, actress, submitted her testimony to the TIME’s list. Lively believes “She brings 980% of herself to all she touches, which elevates everyone around her to their highest selves. She transforms with every character she steps into.” America was recently nominated for “Best Supporting Actress” in the 2024 Academy Awards for her work in Barbie. Also involved in political activism, Ferrera, alongside Chelsea Clinton and Amber Tambyln, created the Hillblazers organization in support of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. 

Taraji P. Henson - Leon Bennett/GA

Taraji P. Henson: Listed under the “Icons” section, Taraji P. Henson’s written statement was submitted by Mary J. Blige, singer-songwriter. Blige claims that Henson is “unapologetically herself… She doesn’t bite her tongue, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She’s always true and authentic, and she’s just as fearless onscreen, which is why she’s one of my favorite actors.” Henson is well known for her roles in hit films and series, including Hidden Figures, The Color Purple, and Empire. She is also known for her advocacy in the black community, calling attention to mental health treatment and discrepancy in pay for people of color in the entertainment industry. 

Asma Khan - Dimitrios Kambouris

Asma Khan: Asma Khan is an Indian-born British chef, cookbook author, and restaurateur. In 2018, she published her debut cookbook, Asma’s Indian Kitchen, which won many accolades and garnered attention from the cooking world, winning the 2018 World Gourmand award for “Best Indian Cookbook”. Later, she was the first British Chef to be profiled on the Netflix series Chef’s Table. For the TIME’s 100 List, Padma Lakshmi, Emmy-nominated producer and host, wrote “Her acclaimed London Restaurant, Darjeeling Express, has an all-female kitchen. Most chefs are older South Asian immigrants who lack formal training. Asma is not only interested in doing the right thing, she’s a shrewd businesswoman too.” Khan is set to host the documentary series Tiffin Stories, which will highlight Indian food.

Donna Langley - Daniele Venturelli

Donna Langley: Donna Langley is the current Chairman of Universal Studios and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Chief Content Officer. This formidable businesswoman is known for her work overseeing hit franchises, such as Fast & Furious, Despicable Me, and Bourne. Additionally, she supported Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, and his following works as well as being accredited with recruiting director Christopher Nolan to Universal to create his movie Oppenheimer. Her TIME’s 100 statement was written by Jordan Peele, Oscar-winning director, where he claims that “Donna Langley doesn’t operate from a place of fear. She doesn’t make decisions based on fear. She makes decisions based on trust, strategy, compassion, and a deep love of film.” 

James McBride - Cara Robbins

James McBride: James McBride is an American writer and musician. Well known for his memoir, The Color of Water, which spent two years on the The New York Times bestseller list. His stories often focus on the hardships and triumphs of the black community. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded McBride with the 2015 National Humanities Medal, stating “[McBride] humaniz[es] the complexities of discussing race in America. Through writings about his own uniquely American story, and his works of fiction informed by our shared history, his moving stories of love display the character of the American family.” Ethan Hawke, actor, wrote for McBride’s publication, stating “He writes about deep American wounds with love, rage, and a sense of wit that flies like a falcon in large leaping circles…” 

Leslie Odom Jr. - Jemal Countess / Stringer

Leslie Odom Jr.: Leslie Odom Jr. first gained recognition for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the broadway musical Hamilton — where he won both a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater album. From there, he has continued to take the acting world by storm, starring in films such as Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story, Harriet, and One Night in Miami. Kate Hudson, actress, wrote: “Leslie is committed to the arts and gracefully moves between music, theater, and film,” also adding, “Leslie’s just as committed to his friends and family. No one is more serious about holding close to the people who are important to him.” 

Dev Patel - Taylor Hill

Dev Patel: Dev Patel got his start in the teen drama Skins, where he met Daniel Kaluuya, who wrote for TIME's publication, saying that “Dev radiates goodness. His humanity shines through every time he graces the screen, leaving you no choice but to root for him even when his character is doing something foul; his presence makes you understand where he’s coming from.” Patel gained recognition for his work in Slumdog Millionaire; however, it didn’t stop after that. Works such as Lion, The Green Knight, and Hotel Mumbai have established him as an actor, allowing him to receive a British Academy Film Award, a nomination for an Academy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. He recently made directorial debut in the 2024 film Monkey Man. 

Da’Vine Joy Randolph - Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Da’Vine Joy Randolph: A current breakout star in the film industry, Da’Vine Joy Randolph was recently awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Holdovers. However, in the theater world she first gained recognition for her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown in the Broadway production of Ghost. Uzo Aduba, actress, states that “Her performance in The Holdovers was balletic, just so deliberate and crafted. She approaches her characters with the kind of sincerity, honesty, and nuance that makes me proud to be an actor.” 

Maya Rudolph - Disney

Maya Rudolph: Maya Rudolph is well known in the entertainment industry. First gaining recognition as a cast member in the NBC hit show Saturday Night Live (SNL), she continued to make appearances in hit comedy films, such as 50 First Dates and Prairie Home Companion. Later, she continued to gain success in Grown Ups and Bridesmaids  as well as voice acting roles in Big Hero 6, Luca, and The Angry Birds Movie. For the TIME’s 100 list she is listed under the “Innovators” section; Amy Poehler, actress, comedian, and close friend of Rudolph, writes that “Maya Rudolph is a super talent who is lit from within. A performing polymath, she is able to deliver big laughs and deep emotions at the same time.” 

Jeffrey Wright - Unique Nicole / Stringer

Jeffrey Wright: Jeffrey Wright does not shy away from the intense, captivating roles. He won a Primetime Emmy Award, Tony Award, Golden Globe Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award for his roles in Angels in America, Westworld, American Fiction, and more. For Wright’s submission, Octavia Spencer, Oscar-winning actress, states, “He pulls you in with his soulfulness, through his eyes, through the stillness and nuance of his work. It can be explosive. It can be quiet. He’s constantly pushing himself, and he’s influencing a new generation of actors to go further.”  

For more information and testimonies of the entrants of TIME magazine’s 2024 100 Most Influential People in the World list, check out their website or purchase the publication.