The annual World’s Most Admired list is a reflection of the personalities who’ve given us something to talk about, think about or feel passionate about over the last 12 months, and this year’s list couldn’t be more perfect.
Today, survey distributors YouGov announced the number one most admired women for 2021 is Michelle Obama, who continues to use her platform to spread awareness for social causes, advocating for racial and gender equality, and building momentum and support for the organisations that are working towards this.
Impressively, Michelle has held the top spot for the last three years running.
In second place this year was Angelina Jolie, whose humanitarian work—particularly with young people—has opened the eyes of many, compelling them to act in order to support those in developing countries who need it most.
Most recently, Jolie launched a book in collaboration with Amnesty and Geraldine Van Bueren, Know Your Rights, which was collated with children and youth rights activists around the world.
“[The book] is for them and all children fighting for their voice and rights,” Jolie shared on Instagram.
The Queen, Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson took out third, fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.
Of course, the Queen has long been a regular fixture before the eyes of the world having been head of the British Monarchy for more than 70 years.
Winfrey also carved out a milestone year by securing and successfully undertaking some of the biggest interviews of 2021—namely Meghan Markle, who bravely spoke out about her experience as a royal.
Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson continue to use their own platforms to educate and spark change in gender equality and the climate.
Pakistani human rights activist and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai also rose five places compared to last year coming in ninth place.
See the full top 20 list below.
In the men’s list, former US President Barrack Obama led the charge alongside his wife, while Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates and President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping.
YouGov surveyed more than 42,000 people in 38 countries and territories to compile this year’s list.
