Affleck, One Direction 'most fascinating people'

Ben Affleck and One Direction have been named the most fascinating people of 2012.

The actor-turned-director and British boyband top Barbara Walters' annual list of influencers.

Veteran newswoman Barbara announced the pair had made the ranks Monday on her US daytime chat show The View.

The television journalist will sit down with the Argo director and the X Factor UK favourites as part of her annual 10 Most Fascinating People special.

Others on the list include American Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane and New Jersey governor Chris Christie were also named.

Barbara said the list was compiled by observing people who have been 'very much in the news'. She also made an effort not to include 'criminals'.

Her announcement comes on the heels of Lindsay Lohan's cancellation of a pre-arranged interview with the journalist.

Lindsay is currently on probation for a shoplifting conviction and was said to be uncomfortable with the line of questioning for the sit-down.

Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012 is scheduled to air on US television network ABC on December 12.

She will announce the year's most fascinating person during the broadcast.