Photo credit: people.com

Blake Lively Celebrated as One of TIME’s Most Influential People

Blake Lively has made a significant impact by being named in TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in the world, adding a remarkable accolade to her already illustrious career. This recognition comes as she navigates an ongoing legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni.

At 37, the actress noted that her acknowledgment alongside prominent figures—including President Donald Trump and media personality Joe Rogan—was a profound honor. Through social media, she expressed gratitude to the magazine and reflected on her journey, sending a positive message to her younger self.

Lively’s recognition as part of the 2025 TIME100 list coincides with the legal proceedings involving Baldoni, with whom she collaborated on the film It Ends with Us. Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni late last year, who has since countersued her. The upcoming trial is scheduled for March 2026.

Lively shared on Instagram, “It’s an honor to be acknowledged on the @time 100 list for 2025.” She extended her thanks to civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill for authoring the piece that articulated her selection.

In her heartfelt post, Lively emphasized the significance of being featured by Ifill, stating, “To be written about by the great @sherrilynifill is not something I take lightly.” She acknowledged Ifill’s substantial influence on the country.

Expressing her admiration, Lively described Ifill as a powerful source of inspiration, commending her for fostering hope and resilience for a safer, improved future for everyone.

Lively concluded her post by thanking @time and @sherrilynifill for what she described as “one of the most surreal and meaningful moments of my life.” She reflected on how her younger self would be amazed by this recognition.

The actress’s Instagram post showcased a black-and-white version of the TIME100 cover featuring her, along with a screenshot of Ifill’s essay.

In Ifill’s essay for TIME, she remarked, “I don’t know the Blake Lively of the red carpet or the Met Gala. I never watched Gossip Girl. The Blake Lively I know is a philanthropist and a student of our country’s most intractable problems.”

Ifill highlighted the philanthropic efforts of Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, recalling their 2019 contribution to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as a testament to their commitment to social justice initiatives.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Ifill noted, “I had been getting a few of these calls, as our work fighting against voter suppression and police brutality was receiving national attention. The ones I have remained in relationship with are those who, like Blake, really did their homework.”

Ifill characterized Lively as “sincere,” recounting a moment when Lively expressed her frustration over the gaps in historical education available to her as a student.

Ifill noted how Lively’s preparedness and willingness to engage deeply with these issues made her stand out as a “serious person” and a “risk taker.”

“She’s committed to moving this country forward. For her children. And for mine,” Ifill concluded, emphasizing Lively’s commitment to societal progress.

Fans of Lively can look forward to her upcoming film, Another Simple Favor, which is set to premiere on Prime Video on May 1.

Source
people.com