Caitlyn Jenner was named Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating Person of 2015. Walters hailed the former Bruce Jenner as a “symbol of hope for the transgender community.” She made the announcement on her annual 10 Most Fascinating People special that aired last week.

Barbara Walters Names Caitlyn Jenner #MostFascinatingPersonOf2015 https://t.co/IyC0JdGe8i pic.twitter.com/dm5TLw9u44

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 18, 2015

“Our choice for the most fascinating person of the year was once called the world’s greatest athlete,” Walters, who is 86, began. “Traditionally that title was given to the man who won the Olympic decathlon. When Bruce Jenner won it in 1976, it was a huge accomplishment that had everybody talking. But it was nothing like this. When Bruce Jenner became Caitlyn Jenner, there was a seismic shift in the gender universe.”

Her “celebrity has helped launch a national discussion about transgender rights,” Walters explained as video highlights from Caitlyn’s year appeared on the screen. “She has become a champion for the transgender community, raising awareness and advocating for acceptance.”

ICYMI: Caitlyn Jenner has been named Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating Person of 2015! https://t.co/bw9QTBIZpK pic.twitter.com/apDLxiphPG

— Us Weekly (@usweekly) December 18, 2015

“Famous and familiar, she raised awareness and acceptance of transgendered people,” she continued. “Through her own transformation, Caitlyn Jenner transformed society this year, and that, for us, makes her the most fascinating person of 2015.”

Caitlyn Jenner topped a list of nine additional “fascinating people,” including Amy Schumer, Misty Copeland, Bradley Cooper, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Ronda Rousey, Donna Karan, and Tracy Morgan.

Not everyone was thrilled about Caitlyn Jenner’s top spot on Barbara Walters’ list. Equally as disturbing to some were the black leather pants the 86-year-old wore on the show.

Idk what's more shocking; Caitlyn Jenner being Barbara Walters' most fascinating person, or Barbara Walters rocking leather pants.

— Tyler Ames (@TyAmes93) December 18, 2015

Barbara Walters' leather pants should've made her list of most fascinating 2015

— Olivia Muskin (@OliviaMuskin) December 18, 2015

The leather pants were different, that’s for sure, but Barbara Walters managed to pull the look off with grace–even with countless viewers likely doing a double take and asking, “Is Barbara Walters wearing leather pants?”

What’s your take on Caitlyn Jenner topping Barbara Walters’ annual list?

And what did you think of Babs rocking those leather pants?