Hytner is the only theatre name on the list featured in the May issue. The category of "Artists & Entertainers" also included such names as "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson, songstress Norah Jones, "Harry Potter" penner J.K. Rowling, "Today Show" host Katie Couric, screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ("Being John Malkovich," "Eternal Sunshine..."), producer Jerry Bruckheimer and actors Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.

Citing his "hot hand" in revitalizing the National theatre with shows like Jerry Springer: The Opera, Mourning Becomes Electra, Democracy and His Drak Materials, and the new ticket policy, Time said the director's company "sets the pace in Britain."

"A national theater meant something homogenous in race, class and culture," quoted Hytner about the National's mission when founded in 1963. "Now there are all sorts of overlapping communities, a much more vital, creative patchwork. We have to reflect that vitality."

Hytner is known to Broadway audiences for his direction of Miss Saigon, Carousel, Twelfth Night and Sweet Smell of Success. He won the 1994 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical with Carousel.

CNN will present an hour-long special on the "Time 100" April 24 at 6 AM, 8 PM and 11 PM and again on April 25 at 6 AM. (All times ET.) Check your local listings. For more information on the Time feature story, visit the website at www.time.com.