Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dogg and Jon M. Chu. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TIME

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were the last to arrive at last night’s TIME100 Gala in New York City, though you wouldn’t have known it if you were waiting with the press. As all eyes and cameras were pointed in the direction of their expected entrance, the couple walked past the journalists waiting to ask questions, ducking behind a decorative black curtain wall before making their way to the still photography section. Lively held her husband’s hand as they smiled in near silence.

Sign Up For Our Daily Newsletter

Sign Up

Thank you for signing up!

By clicking submit, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge we may use your information to send you emails, product samples, and promotions on this website and other properties. You can opt out anytime.

“It’s very cordial,” Reynolds commented to the photographers on their politeness and continued to make jokes as the room grew quiet. “Don’t worry, she’ll leave,” when they were asked for solo shots. And a simple “thank you,” to the reporter who shouted, “You look beautiful,” which was meant, clearly, for Lively.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

Earlier, the red carpet at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, was buzzing with luminaries including Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Jon M. Chu, Simone Biles, Kwame Onwuachi, Nikki Glaser, Demis Hassabis and Hozier—some of TIME’s freshly minted most influential people in the world.

Honoree and Singer Nicole Scherzinger, dressed in a magnificent black sequin off-the-shoulder gown, was the first to arrive. She’s currently starring as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. At 6:24 p.m., she was somehow still doing interviews ahead of a 7 p.m. curtain 12 blocks south at the St. James Theatre.

Nicole Scherzinger. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

A line formed as a barrage of heroes from this year’s class of leaders, titans, innovators, icons, pioneers and artists waited their moment in the flashbulbs. Honoree Serena Williams finished posing and walked over to hug American gymnast and fellow Olympic medalist Aly Raisman, followed by one for CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King. King fumbled with her glasses while opening her purse. 2025 Super Bowl winner and honoree,........

© Observer