Despite facing legal challenges and negative publicity surrounding her clash with It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively has triumphed by making it to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
The 37-year-old actress, who was named in the Titans section, now stands among titans of industry like Serena Williams, Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Rogan, and Simone Biles.
Her recognition is a testament to her ability to rise above the controversy, proving her influence extends far beyond Hollywood.
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While the public was stirred by the legal drama surrounding Lively's involvement in It Ends with Us, including accusations from storyboard artist Talia Spencer, the actress opted for a dignified approach. Rather than responding to the tabloid frenzy, Lively expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of using her platform for meaningful change.
One of the most poignant tributes came from civil rights leader Sherrilyn Ifill, who highlighted Lively’s philanthropy over her public persona. Ifill noted how Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, donated $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defence Fund in 2019, showcasing their dedication to social justice causes.
Ifill wrote, “The Blake Lively I know is a philanthropist and a student of our country’s most intractable problems.” This gesture followed their controversial wedding on a plantation years earlier, with many seeing the donation as part of their attempt to make amends.
Blake Lively Reflects on Her Influence
Lively, whose career spans acting, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, took to Instagram Stories to express her gratitude for the honour. “It’s an honour to be acknowledged on the @Time100 list for 2025,” she shared. “It’s a fortunate thing when it should be a given. So thanks to Time and all who support the brave, even when it's scary.
Her heartfelt reflection on the honour highlights how profound it is to not just be seen for her acting but for her voice and activism.
Other celebrities on Time’s 100 most influential list
This year’s Time 100 also featured a stellar lineup of entertainers and innovators. In the Icons section, stars like Demi Moore, Adrien Brody, and Hiroyuki Sanada made the list, while Snoop Dogg and Jon M. Chu were recognized as Innovators.
The Artists category was packed with talent, including Scarlett Johansson, Ed Sheeran, Adam Scott, Kristen Wiig, Diego Luna, and Danielle Deadwyler, among others. This year’s cover stars included Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, Demi Moore, and Demis Hassabis.
