Rihanna, Adele, Jessica Chastain, Stephen Colbert and Chelsea Handler land on Times 100 Most Influential People list

Time Magazine released its list of the 100 Most Influential People for the past year and, while it includes several world leaders and businesspeople, it also includes several celebrities. Actresses Jessica Chastain, Tilda Swinton and Kristen Wiig, singers Adele and Rihanna and comedians Stephen Colbert and Chelsea Handler were just some of the few.

Time split the list into five categories, including icon, breakout, pioneer, mogul and leader. According to CBS News, the list includes 38 women, the most ever since Time started the list. It also features 54 world leaders hailing from 37 countries.

In his editors note, managing editor Rick Stengel noted that in todays environment, Influence was never easier or more ephemeral. Which is why we try to choose those people whose influence is both lasting and, with a few notable exceptions, laudable.

Time enlisted several celebrities to write about the influence the selected person has had on the world. Fashion designer Stella McCartney wrote that Rihanna is one of the coolest, hottest, most talented, most liked, most listened to, most followed, most impressive artists at work today, but she does it in her own stride. She works hard, very hard. She gives to her fans, friends and foundation not just herself but her energy and spirit.

Oscar-nominated actor Gary Oldman noted Chastains outstanding performances in The Help, The Debt and The Tree of Life! , while actress Cicely Tyson called Viola Davis performance in The Help a beacon for other aspiring actresses.

Doonesbery creator Garry Trudeau wrote on Colbert, while Joan Rivers wrote on Louis C.K.

Other celebrities that made the list include Tim Tebow, writer Ann Patchett, producer Harvey Weinstein, sisters Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Pippa Middleton, Claire Danes and Matt Lauer.