Every year, TIME compiles a list of the 100 thinkers, artists, politicians, and heroes who most affect our world: the TIME 100.

VFS 3D Animation & Visual Effects grad Neill Blomkamp, who directed and co-wrote last summer’s District 9, has made the list, which was revealed today.

Neill sits at #16 under Artists, in between Elton John and Simon Cowell, and, perhaps most notably, 9 spots ahead of James Cameron. The accompanying writeup about Neill is by none other than Ridley Scott, who calls him a “game-changing filmmaker.”

Check out the complete 2010 TIME 100 list here. Congratulations, Neill!