Honestly these lists are mostly just calculated PR. You apply to get in, and there are ways to game the system, especially if you know the reporters or develop a relationship with them.

EDIT: I don't mean this in a way to take away from the accomplishments of the people on that list. I say this to recognize that there are so many other people that deserve to be on such a list whose accomplishments are on the same level (or much greater) who aren't on that list simply because they didn't care for it, or didn't know about it.