On December 7, Volodymyr Zelensky was named TIME magazine’s 2022 Person of the Year. He is the president of Ukraine.
“Person of the Year has always been an occasion to step back and think about the year through the lens of the people who helped shape it,” says TIME’s editor in chief, Edward Felsenthal. Zelensky “persuaded the West that freedom was at stake not just in Ukraine but across the world.”
In February, Russia invaded Ukraine. It was predicted that the nation would be taken over in days. Zelensky stayed to lead his country. Almost a year later, he and the Ukrainian people are still fighting to protect their independence.
TIME announced awards in other categories. Heroes of the Year went to the women of Iran. Many are leading protests against the country’s strict rules for women and girls. Icon of the Year was Michelle Yeoh. She’s up for Best Actress at this year’s Oscars. Entertainer of the Year was K-pop group Blackpink. Its second album was released in 2022. It was a best-seller. And Athlete of the Year was Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. He is one of the few sluggers to hit 62 home runs in a season.
Stop and Think! Why does TIME pick a Person of the Year? Why are the other winners important too? Whom would you have included on this list?