The TIME100 Next gala was held on October 29, 2026, in New York to commemorate the approach of Halloween. During the event, attendees talked about their deep fears and favorite horror films to vividly capture the spirit of the season.
Classic and Modern Selections
Many participants referenced classic horror films. Cooper Hoffman, the actor, introduced the film Rosemary’s Baby, while Dominic Sessa mentioned Resident Evil. Paapa Essiedu, an actor who will soon star in HBO's adaptation of Harry Potter, presented the modern film Obsession as his choice, stating, "This film is scary and entertaining, and it's really amazing."
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Personal Experiences and Deep Reflections
Curry Barker, the young director of Obsession, showcased extensive knowledge of horror films, referencing various titles including A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Invisible Man, Weapons, Hereditary, and Midsommar. He is currently working on a new project titled Anything But Ghosts, set to be released in May.
Chloe Fineman, a comedian and former SNL cast member, took a more existential view on the topic of fear, saying, "The scariest thing I can watch is the news and social media. Instagram feels like a horror movie to me."
Conan Gray, a musician, had a softer approach, introducing the film Practical Magic, which is more cozy and delightful than scary, as his favorite. Joey King, who starred in the sequel Practical Magic 2, responded to the question of whether she felt a sense of witchcraft since playing in this iconic story. She said, "I feel like there’s a thin veil with the afterlife. I’ve had some scary experiences and some sweet experiences, but the scary experiences frightened me a lot in my childhood, and I had to shut that part of myself off, but now I feel like I accept more of it." She also mentioned that she has always wanted to meet a medium but is afraid of it.
The TIME100 Next gala was supported by brands such as Rolex, Toyota, American Airlines, Donatra, the Project Management Institute, and Target.
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