EW's 2017 Entertainers of the Year

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Entertainers of the Year

27493p4530232 — Michael Buckner/Deadline/REX/Shutterstock; Maarten de Boer/Getty Images (3); Vera Anderson/WireImage; Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

There was no shortage of breakout talent in Hollywood over the last 12 months. Ahead, the 15 artists who had us laughing, crying, and then some in 2017.

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Gal Gadot

"Wonder Woman" Press Conference — Vera Anderson/WireImage

No woman roared louder on the big screen this year than Gal Gadot, who brought Wonder Woman to life in a way that inspired women (and men) of all ages.

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Greta Gerwig

The actress became an auteur, mining her own adolescence to craft Lady Bird, one of the most beautiful coming-of-age films in years.

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Jimmy Kimmel

In trying times, the late-night jester became a surprising -- and compelling -- voice of reason, unafraid to speak truth to power and bring difficult conversations about health care to the masses.

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Issa Rae

2016 Summer TCAs Getty Images Portrait Studio — Maarten de Boer/Getty Images

The Insecure star has cemented her status as one of TV's most unique and unmissable voices.

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Jack Antonoff

The prolific songwriter-producer was all over your favorite records in 2017 -- from Lorde to Taylor Swift.

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Kumail Nanjiani

11 Lego Ninjago Movie_4892-.JPG — Matthias Clamer for EW

The comedian-actor delivered the most contagious comedy of the year with The Big Sick, a great American love story for the 21st century.

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Elisabeth Moss

2017 Winter TCA - Portraits — Maarten de Boer/Getty Images

The always stunning performer proved she could be a powerhouse producer, too -- and won an Emmy for her striking work on Hulu breakout The Handmaid's Tale.

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Jordan Peele

Deadline Hollywood Presents THE CONTENDERS 2017, Portrait Studio, Los Angeles, USA - 04 Nov 2017 — Michael Buckner/Deadline/REX/Shutterstock

With Get Out, Jordan Peele concocted a funny and frightening social thriller that confronted the issue of race in post-Obama America.

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Laurie Metcalf

Entertainment Weekly — RAMONA ROSALES for EW

The Emmy-winning actress stepped into the Broadway limelight and provided the loving heart that beats through Lady Bird.

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Big Little Lies

The year's must-watch series boasted the most enviable ensemble of talent on TV -- including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz, and Shailene Woodley. Now we wonder what they have in store for season 2.

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Stephen King

Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - September 26, 2017 — Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

From Sleeping Beauties to the blockbuster return of It and other hit adaptations, the storyteller has had one scary-good year.

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Kesha

106.1 KISS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2017 — Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

The pop star pulled off the year's most triumphant comeback with her album Rainbow and its powerful lead single, "Praying."

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Carrie Coon

Getty Images Portrait Studio Powered By Samsung Galaxy At 2015 Summer TCA's — Maarten de Boer/Getty Images

The actress refused to let the mystery be as she dominated this year's prestige television on The Leftovers and Fargo (and even found time to appear in a supporting role in Steven Spielberg's The Post).

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Ben Platt

The Dear Evan Hansen star brought us to our feet while giving the year's most heartwrenching performance -- and won a Tony for all the hard work (and tears shed).

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