The global spotlight returns to New York City as the world’s most influential figures prepare to gather for the 20th annual TIME100 Gala. For the first time in the event’s history, the public will be granted unprecedented access to the festivities through a red-carpet livestream, offering a glimpse into the intersection of power, art, and activism.
Scheduled for April 23, the event brings together a diverse array of decision-makers and storytellers. This year’s honorees reflect a wide spectrum of global impact, featuring comedian Nikki Glaser, singers Coco Jones and Luke Combs, and actors such as Ethan Hawke and Keke Palmer. The list also recognizes athletic achievement with snowboarder Chloe Kim and hockey player Hilary Knight, alongside human rights advocates like Lauren Hersh, national director of World Without Exploitation, and Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center.
As a journalist who has spent nearly two decades analyzing the economic and political drivers of global influence, I find the evolution of the TIME100 Gala particularly telling. The transition toward a public livestream signals a shift in how influence is curated and consumed, moving from an exclusive behind-closed-doors gathering to a more transparent, digitally accessible celebration of leadership.
The 2026 list arrives at a significant geopolitical juncture. As the administration of President Donald Trump enters its second year in power, the list includes four members of his administration, as well as international leaders such as Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
How to Watch the TIME100 Gala Red Carpet Livestream
For those looking to follow the arrivals and interviews in real-time, the red-carpet livestream is the primary gateway. Presented by P&G and its Cascade brand, the broadcast will feature hosts Terrence J and The Traitors alumna Maura Higgins, who will conduct interviews with guests and honorees as they arrive at the venue.
Viewers can tune in starting at 6 p.m. ET. The livestream will be available across three primary digital platforms to ensure global accessibility:
- YouTube: Available on TIME’s official YouTube channel.
- X: Streamed via TIME’s X page.
- Instagram: Broadcast through TIME’s Instagram feed.
This digital expansion allows a global audience to witness the networking and dialogue that typically occur only within the confines of the gala, providing a real-time look at the individuals shaping current global trends.
Event Highlights and Post-Livestream Content
Once the red carpet concludes, the focus shifts to the gala itself. This year’s event is hosted by Nikki Glaser, who is expected to deliver a monologue. While the full gala is not livestreamed in its entirety, TIME will release key moments across its social media platforms following the event.
Planned highlights for the evening include performances by honorees Luke Combs and Coco Jones. The public can expect to see videos of toasts delivered by prominent figures, including Traitors host and actor Alan Cumming, actor Zoe Saldaña, and actor Noah Wyle.
Understanding the TIME100 Selection Process
The TIME100 list is not merely a snapshot of popularity but a curated assessment of influence. The process takes place over several months, involving extensive consultation between TIME editors, reporters, and a global network of sources. This methodology ensures that the list captures a mix of established power brokers and emerging disruptors across various industries.
The inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholders—from human rights leaders to heads of state—underscores the publication’s intent to define influence through both systemic power and the ability to drive social or cultural change.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Date: April 23.
- Livestream Start Time: 6 p.m. ET.
- Platforms: YouTube, X, and Instagram.
- Hosts: Terrence J and Maura Higgins.
- Key Honorees: Includes Nikki Glaser, Luke Combs, Coco Jones, and global political leaders.
The next scheduled update regarding the event will be the posting of Nikki Glaser’s monologue and the official toast videos on TIME’s social media platforms following the conclusion of the gala.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this year’s honorees in the comments below. Who do you believe defines influence in 2026?