Scarlett Johansson (Getty Images)

It’s been a big year! Can you believe that when it began, Jean Dujardin was still a famous person, while Lena Dunham wasn’t, quite? As the cast of The Artist, Carly Rae Jepsen and Herman Cain fade into obscurity, Time assembles a panel to determine its Person of the Year. Avengers star Scarlett Johansson, indefatigable GOP figure Newt Gingrich and morning person Matt Lauer debate who ought to be declared the year’s most momentous figure. (Presumably panel participants can’t nominate themselves, or we’d be hearing many arguments in favor of Mr. Gingrich, who’s never been one to hide his light under a bushel.)

Time & Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, reception at noon, luncheon and discussion from 12:30pm to 2pm, invitation only.