Lupita Nyong’o has a growing awards collection (including an Oscar), but she “never dreamed” she would be named People magazine’s Most Beautiful Person. The 12 Years a Slave star and Lancôme spokeswoman appears on this month’s cover with her trademark cropped hair, a sparkly necklace, and her perpetual smile. “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen,” she told People. Growing up, her idea of beauty was “light skin and long, flowing, straight hair…Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess.” Now her natural beauty is not only celebrated but further enhanced by her innate elegance, humility, and originality. Nyong’o joins an impressive roster of past winners including Julia Roberts, Beyoncé, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, and Angelina Jolie.
