'People' names 'Most Beautiful Woman'
This year's title goes to ... Lupita Nyong'o.
"There was really no contest this year. She seemed like the only choice," said Jess Cagle, People's editorial director during the unveiling on Today on Wednesday. "She's obviously talented, obviously beautiful. But the way she carries herself with such grace and such humility is what put her over the top."
People magazine's 25th annual pick takes the crown from last year's title-holder, Gwyneth Paltrow.
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," the 31-year-old actress says of gracing this year's cover.
Nyong'o has had quite a year. She won an Oscar for her work in 12 Years a Slave and recently landed a contract with Lancome Paris. Watch Nyong'o in this video interview with USA TODAY.
And others who've been deemed most beautiful over the years:
2013 Gwyneth Paltrow
2012 Beyoncé
2011 Jennifer Lopez
2010 Julia Roberts
2009 Christina Applegate
2008 Kate Hudson
2007 Drew Barrymore
2006 Angelina Jolie
2005 Julia Roberts
2004 Jennifer Aniston
2003 Halle Berry
2002 Nicole Kidman
2001 Catherine Zeta-Jones
2000 Julia Roberts
1999 Michelle Pfeiffer
1998 Leonardo DiCaprio
1997 Tom Cruise