Every year, Time magazine names its Person of the Year. This recipient can be an individual, group or even an object that has profoundly influenced the world over the past year.

The distinction is not an honor or endorsement but a recognition of a figure that has most impacted or influenced our news, lives and culture this year, for good or ill, according to the magazine.

Time has been recognizing its Person of the Year since 1927, though it started out as “Man of the Year” and became gender neutral in 1999.

After Time revealed its 2025 Person of the Year as the “Architects of AI,” we’re taking a look back at the people and groups who have received this honor over the past 10-plus years.

2012: Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama on Sept. 20, 2017, in New York. Jamie McCarth

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