Black Panther and Wonder Woman were two of the biggest hits of the past 12 months in terms of critical reception and box office success. Both movies shattered long-held Hollywood beliefs and made their respective stars into cultural icons, and TIME is now honoring these two actors with spots on their list of the 100 most influential people of the year.
Chadwick Boseman and Gal Gadot join the list full of world leaders, athletes and other artists. Also featured in the TIME 100 is Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and the actor formerly known as Wolverine, Hugh Jackman.
Gadot's tribute was written by none other than Lynda Carter, who first brought Diana Prince to the screen in the 1970s TV show Wonder Woman. In her write-up, Carter praises Gadot for her ability to capture everything the character represents. She writes:
Wonder Woman has helped transform how women and girls see themselves since she emerged on a TV show in 1975. She represents what we know is inside every one of us: fierce strength, a kind heart and incredible valor. Gal understood and captured the spirit of this complex, independent, fully feminine persona. I applaud her for all of her success.
Sean Combs, who was pretty vocal about his excitement for Black Panther, wrote Boseman's tribute and praised the actor for the "coolness, power and grace" he brings to his characters. The rapper writes:
And now as the Black Panther, he’s inspiring everyone, but especially black youth, who deserve to see superheroes like them, to show them that truly anyone can be a superhero; this matters, because it has been a long time coming to see our own superheroes and the power that they can have on all of us in society.
See the full list here.