It’s been a big year for Lupita Nyong’o. After winning an Oscar and a lucrative advertising deal the actress was named as the world’s most beautiful woman for 2014 by People magazine.
The 31-year-old actress, who won a best-supporting actress Oscar for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” tops the magazine’s list, announced today (Wednesday).
Commenting on being selected for this year’s cover, Lupita says: “It was exciting and just a major, major compliment. I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen.”
The Mexican-born flawless one who grew up in Kenya first equated beauty with television images of light skin and long straight hair, Nyong’o said her mother always told her she was beautiful.
“And I finally believed her at some point,” she added.
Editorial Director Jess Cagle revealed the magazine’s cover and explained why the staff chose the relative newcomer. “She is fantastic. Obviously, she is the Oscar winner for 12 Years a Slave, raised in Kenya. She is the new celebrity ambassador for Lancôme Paris, along with Julia Roberts and Penélope Cruz. She’s kind of all the rage,” he explained. “There was really no contest this year. She seemed like the only choice. Usually, there’s a lot of debate; this time, we were all in agreement. She’s obviously talented, obviously beautiful, she is incredibly stylish, but the way she carries herself with such grace and such humility, I think it’s what put her over the top.”
This year’s most beautiful people list also includes actresses Keri Russell, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Mindy Kaling and Amber Heard. Pop singer Pink, actresses Gabrielle Union, Molly Sims and Kerry Washington, and model and former professional wrestler Stacy Keibler also made the annual ranking.
