Our people of 2013

2013 – the year that brought us the selfie, twerking and a new future King. Here are the Neo team’s people of the year.

Becky
It’s got to be Malala Yousafzai for that interview on The Daily Show – amazing.

Nick
I think John Kerry’s off-the-cuff press conference slip suggesting Syria had chemical weapons to avoid being attacked has to be up there as a defining moment of the year. Peacemaking genius or serious political error? Either way it had a major impact.

Emmie
I’m probably missing out far more deserving folk, but I’m going with Pharell – the man who soundtracked our summer (with Daft Punk and Get Lucky) and then brought us the world’s first 24 hour music video

Sam
Grayson Perry is my person of the year. This is not only because, as the BBC said, he operates ‘ .. in the contested no-man’s-land between art and craft, male and female, highbrow and low culture, as a serious artist and loveable character’ but also for the great series of Reith lectures on modern art he performed this year. Definitely worth a listen

Sarah
Nigel Slater get my vote. He’s a consistent champion of seasonal produce and using up leftovers. Watching and listening to him has made me change the way I cook at home. Also a mention to my friend who had a very rough time in August but has bounced back to become a stronger, and possibly, a better person. She knows who she is and rocks because of it, and is an inspiration for me.

Charlie
No contest – Chris Hadfield, commander of Expedition 35 to the International Space Station.

Bowie’s *actually in Space *.

Neil
Ali Ahmed for me. This fills me with so much hope.

Nicole
It has to be Russell Brand for Cuban heels, a jaunty neck scarf and nudging the revolution forward. And my dad – he’s been so brave and so determined and so humble and I love him.

And here’s to more great people and great moments in 2014.