The Obamas, Zac Efron & Bono Named Time’s ‘Most Influential People In The World’

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.

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.”

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.

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.