One Direction, Ben Affleck make Barbara Walter's fascinating list

A derivative British boy band and Matt Damon’s on-screen lesser half apparently fascinate Barbara Walters.

One Direction and Ben Affleck all secured spots on Walter’s annual “Most Fascinating” list. The television institution announced part of the list on “The View” Tuesday morning.

Affleck in 2012 further entrenched himself as a director with his latest project “Argo” being well received. One Direction has resurrected the boy band, with a British twist. The “band” recently packed New York’s Rockefeller Plaza for a performance on the “Today” show.

During “The View” Walters said her criteria is people who have been “very much in the news.” She also said there are ”no criminals.”

The number one most fascinating person of the year will not be disclosed until the program debuts Dec. 12 at 9:30 ET on ABC. During “The View” Walters released the names of other 2012 selections: Hillary Clinton (secretary of state); Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy” creator and the host of the 2013 Oscars); E.L. James (author of the “50 Shades of Gray” series); Chris Christie (governor of New Jersey); and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas.

The 90-minute television special will feature interviews with the listmakers, and Walters will reveal her final three picks.