The 100 Most Influential People in the World - Icons

Taraji P. Henson Jenni Hermoso Michael J. Fox Sofia Coppola Burna Boy Thelma Golden Elliot Page Mark Cuban Kylie Minogue Hayao Miyazaki + more

- MARY J. BLIGE

Taraji P. Henson
Unapologetic artist

Even before I knew her, I already felt like Taraji P. Henson was my friend. She was an actor I loved to watch, and I always felt like I could relate to her because she perfectly embodied who we are as women. I couldn't wait to meet her. And when I finally did, it was on and popping from there. Taraji fit right into my crew.  What I love most about her is that she is unapologetically herself. Taraji is a real woman-she doesn't bite her tongue, and she's not afraid to stand 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. Watching her commit 1 million percent to whatever character she's portraying is amazing. Her courage really sets her apart, in Hollywood and in real life.

Even though she doesn't need any advice, I'll say this to my beautiful friend: Taraji, my sis, keep being yourself and keep doing what you're doing. There's nobody like you. I love you.

Blige is a Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter

Jenni Hermoso
Demonstrating strength
BY MANA SHIM

There wasn't a question in Jenni Hermoso's mind that what Luis Rubiales did to her onstage after her team won the 2023 Women's World Cup was wrong. When Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation― Hermoso's boss-grabbed her face and kissed her, millions of us watching live on television knew it was wrong too.