Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar-winning actress and current face of Lancôme Paris, has been named People Magazine's most beautiful person. This is the first time the "12 Years A Slave" star is gracing the magazine cover, it was revealed Wednesday morning.
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o explained in a copy of the issue obtained by New York Daily News. "And especially, I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen."
The newcomer broke out as Patsey in Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" and is notorious for her awards season fashion. She was also recently named the new face of Lancôme Paris.
Nyong'o also starred in action flick "Non-Stop" alongside Liam Neeson.
"Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she told People of her early views of beauty. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess."
The gorgeous star explained that her mother Dorothy, "Always said I was beautiful, and I finally believed her at some point."
When addressing the best beauty compliment she ever received, Nyong'o revealed it was "When I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on," she told the mag, adding "and also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress."
"Happiness is the most important thing," she concluded.
Nyong'o was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya. The 31-year-old also holds a degree from the Yale School of Drama.
She joins past winners such as actresses Gwenyth Paltrow and Michelle Pfeiffer. This is the 25th "Most Beautiful" People edition, who also nods Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence.
The latest issue is due out Friday, April 25.
Do you think People made the right choice crowning Nyong'o most beautiful? How about the rest of the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
