Time Magazine released its annual list of 100 Most Influential People on Wednesday, which always include a variety of people ranging from Hollywood A-listers to politicians or athletes to corporate executives.

Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé, legendary actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Brooklyn Nets star Jason Collins each graced the cover and are just a few among many others to be honored by Time in this week's special double issue.

The 11th annual issue compiles a list of the most notable movers and shakers in the world. Other top billed names included Republican Sen. Rand Paul, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, actor Matthew McConaughey, comedian Jordan Peele, oil tycoons David and Charles Koch, President Barack Obama, and former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Each titan, pioneer, artist, leader or icon, as designated by Time, had their story told by other powerful people in the national spotlight. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg wrote Beyoncé's essay, while actor Neil Patrick Harris wrote about Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Chelsea Clinton honored Collins, who came out to the public last year.

"Jason's kindness and fierceness alike derive from that word too often bandied about and too rarely true: integrity," Clinton wrote. "Jason has always maintained he's first a basketball player. He is. But he's also a leader and an inspiration."

Beyoncé posted on her Facebook page that she was "so honored" to be featured in the magazine and on its black-and-white cover, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"In the past year, Beyonce has sold out the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour while being a full-time mother. Her secret," Sandberg revealed, "hard work, honesty and authenticity."

Her husband, the famed hip-hop artist and business mogul, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, received the honor from Time last year.

Justin Timberlake penned fellow musician Pharrell William's essay and Serena Williams had her piece written by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.