Barbara Walters’ most fascinating people mostly revealed for 2012

Forget Thanksgiving -- it’s actually that time of year again. The time when Barbara Walters reveals the bulk of her 10 most fascinating people list, this time for 2012.

(No, Nicki Minaj isn’t on the roster, despite the rapper’s shout-out to “Barbs” at the American Music Awards on Sunday night. But we can dream.)

Ben Affleck is perhaps the shiniest Hollywood name so far on the list, which also includes One Direction, gymnast Gabby Douglas and “Family Guy” guy Seth MacFarlane. Bringing political oomph are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who incidentally topped the list in its first year, 1993, when she was first lady. Adding some spice will be E.L. James, author of “50 Shades of Grey.”

That leaves three spots yet to be filled -- including No. 1, which is always announced during the course of the broadcast. Last year’s top spot went to Steve Jobs, with Michelle and Barack Obama taking 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gen. David Petraeus was No. 1 in 2010, though for entirely different reasons than he’s been fascinating for of late.

Who else would you like to see sit down with Walters? And who should be this year’s No. 1? Let us know in comments.

“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year” airs at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 on ABC.

ALSO:

Barbara Walters’ most fascinating people 2011: a peek at the list

Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People of 2010”: Do you agree?

Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009”: observations, and a poll

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