The most influential people of 2014 changed the world through politics, religion, activism, and entertainment. This list ranks the most powerful and trendy celebrities, politicians, and notable public figures from the entire year. From the Pope, to Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), this list of the most influential figures of 2014 includes all of your favorite icons who made this year what it was.
Beyonce was seemingly crowned Queen of the Universe in 2014, just as Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Pharrell continued to influence the world through their both their music and their offstage antics (whether good or bad). The Pope led the Catholic Church to new ideas, including more inclusive attitudes towards the gay community, while Apple's Tim Cook made history as the only openly gay CEO of a US company.
Which influential public figures mattered the most in 2014? Global trendsetters like Edward Snowden stand alongside feminist faces that shaped the year like Lena Dunham and Elizabeth Warren. From Jimmy Fallon running late night, to Vladimir Putin running the world, these important individuals were among the most influential people of the year.
Vote up the noteworthy, innovative figures below, or add an influential person who you think played a major role in changing the world during 2014.
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Amy Poehler
2014 was the year that Amy Poehler officially reached icon status. She is the star of the beloved Parks and Recreation, author of 2014's fantastic memoir Yes Please, recurring co-host of the Golden Globes, and founder of the improv school The Upright Citizens Brigade, which opened up its fourth and fanciest training ground yet on Hollywood's Sunset Strip.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson's superstardom reached new heights with her pro-women speech to the United Nations. She is now the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in addition to being every guy's #1 crush in 2014.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton is the assumed frontrunner for President of the United States in 2016. The former Secretary of State and First Lady has influenced the entire world and is poised for even greater things ahead.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis is changing the three things you never talk about at parties: sex, politics, and religion. The progressive Pope has redefined the way staunch Catholics are thinking about gay marriage and evolution.
Pharrell Williams
Music and music videos are changing, and Pharrell is playing a large role in that metamorphosis. The fashion designer, producer, and musician broke the mold with "Happy," and the money and fame he racked up in 2014 likely made him very happy indeed.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift both sold records and broke records in 2014, and her A-list status has made her an absolute icon to young girls. She's joined the ranks of Bieber when it comes to measuring fame, and her influence is felt seemingly everywhere.
Tim Cook
The CEO of Apple, Cook came out as gay in October 2014, with a piece published in Bloomberg Businessweek. Said Cook, "I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me." At the time of Cook's announcement, he was the only CEO of the 500 largest United States companies who was openly gay, making him an icon for the LGBT community.
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin is absolutely terrifying, mostly because of how influential he is. In 2014, Putin introduced his new anti-American attitudes, waltzed right into Ukraine, and casually threatened nuclear war.
Lena Dunham
You know you're influential when other influential people are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with photos of your book. Lena Dunham is one of the biggest newsmakers of 2014 thanks to her newly-released memoir Not That Kind of Girl, her award-winning HBO show Girls, and her status as the "voice of a generation."
Malala Yousafzai
The youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history, Yousafzai continued her staunch activism for female education and human rights throughout 2014.