Reactions to Benedict Cumberbatch making 2014’s TIME 100 list were unambiguous: people are thrilled. There was almost unanimous agreement — particularly among Cumberbatch’s famed fanbase, who proudly call themselves “Cumberbitches” — that the English actor’s place on the list was thoroughly deserved.
Once the list was revealed Thursday, fans swiftly expressed excitement and support not only for Cumberbatch, but also for actor Colin Firth, who penned the tribute. Firth’s claim that Cumberbatch, famous for his roles in Sherlock, Star Trek: Into Darkness and 12 Years a Slave, was so talented that he “must be stopped” was greeted with mirth:
Alternately, reactions to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s inclusion were muted, judging by Twitter. Though German football player Jürgen Klinsmann wrote that Merkel was “firm, measured and agreeable” and that her leadership saw Germany through both the 2006 World Cup and the European financial crisis, few social media users appeared to share his enthusiasm.
Yet another European garnered some high-profile support for his inclusion on the list: Andy Haldane, the Executive Director of Financial Stability at the Bank of England, was praised by his fellow nominee Anat Admati who enthusiastically tweeted:
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com