Political names such as Donald Trump, Jacinda Ardern and Brett Kavanaugh have been featured among a vast array of entertainers, sports stars and world leaders in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.

The annual issue also named musicians Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke, former first lady Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and comedian Hasan Minhaj, among the world’s most influential “pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons” in 2019.

The list which was revealed on Thursday (Australian time) boasts six covers featuring singer Taylor Swift, actor Dwayne Johnson, TV journalist Gayle King, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actress Sandra Oh and Egyptian soccer star Mohamed Salah.

Introducing the 2019 #TIME100 https://t.co/1WeH62z2pQ pic.twitter.com/iBKrhSl9D0

— TIME (@TIME) April 17, 2019

Every year, the honorees get a short tribute written about them by another prominent person.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was listed for the second time in the magazine’s ‘leaders’ list, was described by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as “an inspiration to us all”.

She was named alongside 25 other prominent leaders including Pope Francis, US President Trump and environmentalist Jane Goodall.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during the National Remembrance Service on March 29. Photo: Getty

Former US secretary of state and first lady Hillary Clinton wrote that fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi “is living proof that, when it comes to getting the job done, more often than not, it takes a woman”.

Musician Shawn Mendes said Swift, who has been listed as an ‘icon’,  “makes anyone older feel young again”.

“Taylor makes the job of creating music for millions of people look easy. It all comes from her – her belief in magic and love, and her ability to be as honest and raw as possible.

“She’s the master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking, and that’s why her music connects so well,” Mendes said.

Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes said it was a career highlight to write for Oh, who spent a decade on the medical drama before taking on a new lead role in TV crime show Killing Eve.

Sandra Oh won Best Actress at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January. Photo: Getty

Hailed as a pioneer by Time magazine, the Golden Globe-winning actress was described by Rhimes as am “extraordinary actor” who “treats dialogue like notes of music—every word must be played, every syllable correctly toned”.

“Her comic timing is priceless. Her dramatic well is endless. Her talent is a song to be heard. With her nuanced characters, Sandra Oh has chosen to fearlessly take up space in a universe that has not always made space for her,” she added.

Beyoncé, who sang for the Obamas during the Inaugural Ball in 2009, said “loving Michelle Obama wasn’t much of a choice” in a short essay.

She continued: ‘(Obama) would’ve been impactful simply by being in the White House, the first African-American First Lady.

“But she also used her position of power to improve the world around her. She empowers all of us to interrogate our fears and surpass greatness.”

CBS This Morning director Ava DuVernay expressed satisfaction that anchor King has finally stepped out of the shadow of best friend Oprah Winfrey, largely thanks to her exclusive interview with the embattled singer R Kelly in March.

Despite being “a few decades overdue … The fact that this year she is being lauded as one of the all-time great broadcast interviewers is simply the perfect signifier”, DuVernay wrote.

Other names on the list include Captain Marvel‘s Brie Larson, Bohemian Rhapsody‘s Rami Malek, film director Spike Lee, actor Mahershala Ali, cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, K-Pop sensation BTS and golfer Tiger Woods. 

I can’t believe this!! Thank you @time thank you thank you, Eric!! Can someone photoshop me onto the cover I didn’t get one feel free to use any photo https://t.co/SLpzcPVZnO

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 17, 2019

“We all have teachers, some we know intimately, others who inspire from the page or the screen. This holds true even for the most accomplished people on earth,” Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal said.

“Our annual Time 100 issue is filled with tributes from teachers to students; in many cases, the surprise is who is playing which role today.”

The full list of winners can be viewed at Time.com.

-with agencies