Story photo: The Obamas, Zac Efron & Bono Named Time's 'Most Influential People In The World'Barack and Michelle ObamaGetty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Time magazine has released its list of "The Most Influential People In The World," and among the 100 making the cut are more obvious choices like President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and the surprising like indie hip-hop star, M.I.A.

Bono , Oprah Winfrey , Tiger Woods , Brad Pitt , George Clooney , Jay Leno and Zac Efron also made the list, which was unveiled earlier this week.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'High School' Heartthrob Zac Efron

As for why Clooney was worthy of such a place, Bono piped up.

"What he brings to the discussion on Darfur is not just star power," the U2 rocker told the mag. "It's the power of conviction, and a growing impatience, and an undiminished sense that what's still - still! - happening in Darfur is an affront to what we say we believe. Our response, as yet, is unworthy of us."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Bono: Activist, Humanitarian, Rock Star

Claire Danes offered a suggestion on why teen-heartthrob-turned-adult box office draw, Efron, her "Me and Orson Welles" movie co-star, made the cut.

"I suppose we all know that Zac, 21, is a song-and-dance man. What is less known -- and what I had the privilege of learning firsthand -- is that he is a performer of great subtlety and vulnerability... It seems Zac is not only an entertainer but also an artist," she told Time. "He is going to make us swoon for many years to come."

Other stars to get the honor included all five women of "The View"; Whoopi Goldberg , Barbara Walters , Elisabeth Hasselbeck , Sherri Shepherd and Joy Behar .

VIEW THE PHOTOS: See Acting Powerhouse Kate Winslet Looking Gorgeous On The Red Carpet

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet also made the cut as did "30 Rock's" Tina Fey .

Tom Hanks is also on the list as is Penelope Cruz and soul singer John Legend .

Joining the Obamas in the political department are Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who author J.K. Rowling gave the thumbs up to.

"I know him as affable, funny and gregarious, a great listener, a kind and loyal friend," she told the magazine. "These are strange and turbulent times, but issues of fairness, equality and protection of the poor have never been more important. I still want Gordon Brown in charge."

Other entries on the list include Stella McCartney , Bernie Madoff and Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, who founded Twitter.

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: News - Michelle Obama - Tiger Woods - Twitter - Kate Winslet

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comments 1-10 of 132  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Elizabeth
    I know everyone heard about patrick swayze, but why does zac efron think he's so cool. WELL I DON"T
    report abuseposted September 15, 2009 1:14 AM PDT
  • ic
    zac efron, yea right! lol
    report abuseposted August 10, 2009 1:30 AM PDT
  • CasieI
    you people are funny, having arrguments with people you dont even know. but i do agree with some; if most of our influential people are celebs, that is kinda messed up because i think there are a few more importaint people out there.
    report abuseposted May 28, 2009 4:20 PM PDT
  • LBelle
    Ok, we can all agree that this list is pretty bogus, but everyone seems to be missing the most unsettling part. They've released this as "The 100 Most Influential People in the WORLD". I'm pretty sure there are SEVERAL world leaders being left out of the picture. I'm also pretty sure that no single person from a country besides the U.S. has ever been influ
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:58 PM PDT
  • LBelle
    Ok, we can all agree that this list is pretty bogus, but everyone seems to be missing the most unsettling part. They've released this as "The 100 Most Influential People in the WORLD". I'm pretty sure there are SEVERAL world leaders being left out of the picture. I'm also pretty sure that no single person from a country besides the U.S. has ever been influ
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:58 PM PDT
  • JasonG
    If these are the most influential people in the world no wonder out country is in the crapper. two politicians on the list and the rest are media types. oh, except for the fraud madoff. not a single scientist, engineer. no great innovation except for the guys who invented a website that you can tell everyone what you are doing every moment. that is so useful to our society. we are screwed.
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:12 PM PDT
  • Zack
    So this is what influences the liberal mind... (besides Stalin doctrine)
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:09 PM PDT
  • Tiger S
    Zac Efron, as to how he got on this list, I will never understand. Yes, he may influence young teenagers, but what kind of difference has he made that wasn't for his own gain. In other words, if you look beyond the "hotness" and the fame, what kind of person is he? Michelle Obama, I wonder as to why she is on here. She's the First Lady and...? I see nothing influ
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 8:58 PM PDT
  • Tiger S
    Zac Efron, as to how he got on this list, I will never understand. Yes, he may influence young teenagers, but what kind of difference has he made that wasn't for his own gain. In other words, if you look beyond the "hotness" and the fame, what kind of person is he? Michelle Obama, I wonder as to why she is on here. She's the First Lady and...? I see nothing influ
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 8:58 PM PDT
  • wild_cherry
    now how can that be since he isnt fully black. he was raised by white people in a white community but somehow he ''relates'' to the blacks more. BS. and what gives you the right to criticize zac ? since when does someones hair define who they are. thank ya (not)
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 8:53 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 132  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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