, and among those recognized are Daniel Dae Kim, Nicole Scherzinger, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and Jon M. Chu
The list features introductions written by fellow luminaries.
Kim was introduced by director J. J. Abrams, honoring Kim's work on both the screen and the stage, as well as his activism: "Daniel Dae Kim contains multitudes. A beloved star of shows such as The Good Doctor, Hawaii Five-0, and Lost, Kim is also a successful producer and director and a devoted husband and father. And he was named one of People鈥檚 Sexiest Men Alive. Twice.
"When Kim combines his talent, skill, and humanity as an advocate for equality, he becomes a force of nature. I鈥檝e seen this firsthand. When we made the Lost pilot, Kim insisted his character鈥檚 arc defy stereotypes. Years later, when he learned of a significant pay disparity between himself and his white Hawaii Five-0 co-stars, Kim, along with Grace Park, made the bold decision to publicly walk away from the series, demanding equity even at personal cost. His advocacy extends beyond Hollywood鈥攊n 2021, as anti-Asian violence surged in the U.S., Kim testified before the House Judiciary Committee, calling on lawmakers to take action. And in 2024, Kim returned to Broadway to star in Yellow Face, David Henry Hwang鈥檚 acclaimed satire exploring Asian American identity, cultural appropriation, and the complexities of activism.
"A career like Kim鈥檚 is rare. But even rarer is a willingness to use success not just for oneself, but for others鈥攁 quality that makes Daniel Dae Kim a leading voice in the fight for change."
In a twist of fate, one former Norma Desmond introduced another when Patti LuPone put pen to paper for Nicole Scherzinger: "I didn鈥檛 know what to expect from Jamie Lloyd鈥檚 explosive reimagining of Sunset Boulevard. While my experience with the show may not be totally objective, I feel Mr. Lloyd stripped the musical of its bloat, of its too-careful re-creation of the film鈥攁nd in doing so set a theatrical pace that was exhilarating. Then there was Nicole Scherzinger: courageous, audacious, mesmerizing, elegantly beautiful, and ultimately heartbreaking. Her mad scene alone is worth the price of admission. I left the theater energized. And it鈥檚 made all the more stunning by watching her transition from a pop singer to a bona fide Broadway star. All audiences want is to be assured the actors onstage are in command. From Nicole鈥檚 first entrance, I sat back in my seat and happily gave her my complete and undivided attention. I was riveted. Brava, Diva."
Tony winner Michael R. Jackson introduced Branden Jacobs-Jenkins with a heartfelt tribute: "The first time I ever saw a play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, my jaw hit the floor. I had never seen anything so sophisticated, experimental, and intelligent that also used black (and Black) humor to such great effect. It was immediately clear to me that I was in the hands of a master. As I鈥檝e gotten to know Branden over the years, his genius has only become more apparent. He is a creator of trends, not a follower, so his work is always original and interesting. And with an unflappable nature and a genuine curiosity about the world, it feels like he was simply born with the ability to create singular, knockout shows鈥攊ncluding An Octoroon, Appropriate, and his latest to arrive on Broadway, Purpose.
"Even though he鈥檚 younger than me, I look up to Branden in so many ways. He is truly in a class of his own, and, as history unfolds, there is no doubt that he will be noted as one of the greats."
Lastly, Wicked's film director Jon M. Chu was honored in the Innovator category, with his Madame Morrible, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, writing the following tribute: "The first project of Jon M. Chu鈥檚 that caught my eye was his documentary on Justin Bieber. Jon saw beyond the tabloid stories about Justin鈥檚 relationships and scandals to the young man underneath, who was very dedicated to his craft鈥攁nd very lonely. I thought, this is a director who sees into the heart of things.
"Making Crazy Rich Asians, that鈥檚 when we really bonded, and I started to appreciate how talented he was at leading a room with patience and humor. He鈥檚 a visionary, so he knows what he wants, but he always listens, and he鈥檚 never afraid to let you try things.
"When he called me about Wicked, I reminded him: I鈥檓 not a singer. But that鈥檚 the power of persuasion that Jon Chu has. He makes you believe you can do the impossible. He coaxes what he needs out of us to help him tell stories, to push boundaries, and then he elevates our voices (OK, my voice especially), bringing joy to the millions who love his films.
"To this baby genius, who I鈥檓 proud to call a friend and an honorary son all at once, I will always be eternally grateful."
See the complete 2025 Time100 list at .
