Actress Lupita Nyong’o’s reign just won’t let up. After winning an Academy Award for her superb debut role as Patsey in “12 Years a Slave,” landing a coveted spokesmodel contract with Lancôme Paris and setting red carpets from New York to Paris ablaze, People Magazine’s named Nyong’o their “Most Beautiful.”
Nyong’o graces the cover of People’s May issue, an honor that’s previously been bestowed on starlets and supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
In her candid interview with People, Nyong’o said she “never dreamed” of being named “Most Beautiful.”
“It was exciting and just a major, major compliment,” she said. “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen.”
This is crucial to Nyong’o since she was first conditioned to believe the women she saw on television were the pinnacle of beauty. “Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair,” she told People. “Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess.”
Nyong’o credits her mother for boosting her self-esteem by always telling her she was beautiful. “And I finally believed her at some point,” she said.
Nyong’o’s response to the honor echoes previous comments she’s made about serving as a role model for young girls and women who don’t often see their faces reflected in media.
In her acceptance speech at Essence Magazine’s Women in Hollywood luncheon, Nyong’o offered these words of wisdom to women of color who are inspired by her:
“And so I hope that my presence on your screens and in the magazines may lead you, young girl, on a similar journey. That you will feel the validation of your external beauty but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside.”
After her massive success, Nyong’o is concerned with maintaining her happiness. She told People that “happiness is the most important thing.”
People Magazine’s May issue hits newsstands Friday.
What do you love most about People honoring Lupita?
Photos courtesy of People Magazine