TIME's Person of the Year for 2012

Editors unveiled a list of 38 contenders for the honour this week.

They include: Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by Taliban extremists who disagreed with her equal rights beliefs. South Korean pop sensation Psy, rap superstar Jay-Z and Russian punk rockers Pussy Riot have been shortlisted for Time magazine's 2012 Person of the Year.

Comedians Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart have all made the cut.

Also nominated are U.S. President Barack Obama and his former White House rival, Republican Mitt Romney, as well as dissident Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwe.

The winner will be chosen by Time editors and revealed on December 14.

The Protester was named last year's Person of the Year following the widespread reach of the Occupy Wall Street campaign against big business.