"Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012" will air as a 90-minute ABC News special highlighting some of the year's most prominent names in entertainment, sports, politics and popular culture. This year's special will air Wednesday, Dec. 12 (9:30 to 11 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network.

Hosted by Walters, the special includes:

• The woman behind the literary phenomenon "Fifty Shades of Grey," writer EL James.
• Outspoken New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
• Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas.

• Academy Award-winning actor/director/writerBen Affleck.
• One of the most famous women in politics, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
• The British boy band sensation One Direction.

• 2013 Oscars' host and creator of television cult classic "Family Guy" Seth MacFarlane.

The No. 1 Most Fascinating Person of 2012 will be announced on the program.

Now in its 20th season, "Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People" programs have consistently been among the highest rated specials of the year.