Daniel Craig Joins Kate Middleton And ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Author As Most Influential Londoners

‘Skyfall’ star Daniel Craig has shaken and stirred his way into the top 20 in a list of London’s most influential people compiled the Evening Standard.

The list predictably includes many politicians, with London Mayor Boris Johnson on top ahead of Prime Minister David Cameron, who like in real life has Labour leader Ed Milliband snapping at his heels.

But it’s Craig’s inclusion in the top 20, as well as that of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ novelist E.L. James that show what a year it’s been for Londoners in the arts.

Craig’s rise can be put down to the record breaking success of the latest movie in the James Bond franchise ‘Skyfall’, which has wowed critics and audiences alike, as well as re-establishing Craig as a bit of a national institution himself. The use of iconic London landmarks like Whitehall may also have helped Craig’s case.

He’s in at 17, just behind ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ author E.L. James, who has whipped her way into the list at 14 after the success of her kinky books. With a movie of the sexed up page turner now on its way, James may not find herself dropping down any time soon.

Craig though isn’t the highest inclusion from the film world on the list, that honour goes to Danny Boyle, after the director’s impressive contribution to the Olympic opening ceremony. He resides above The Queen (9) at number 5.

Now in its sixth year, the event, which takes place on Wednesday (November 7), will tell Londoners and the world the 1000 individuals who have influenced London over the past year more than any others. It was compiled by a panel of specialist reporters and critics.

The full list is here:

1 Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

2 David Cameron, Prime Minister

3 Ed Miliband, Leader of the Opposition

4 George Osborne, Chancellor

5 Danny Boyle, film director

6 Sir Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England

7 Lord Coe, British Olympic Association, chairman

8 Mo Farah, double Olympic Gold medallist

9 The Queen

10 Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner

11 Nick Clegg, Deputy prime minister

12 Angela Ahrendts, Burberry Chief Executive

13 Thomas Heatherwick, designer

14 EL James, author, Fifty Shades of Grey

15 Dame Marjorie Scardino, Pearson chief executive

16 Stella McCartney, designer

17 Daniel Craig, actor

18 Plan B, rapper and musician

19 Armando Iannucci, TV screenplay writer, The Thick Of It and Veep

20 Duchess of Cambridge