Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o Is Named "Most Beautiful" By People Magazine

People magazine has named Lupita Nyong'o, 2014's "Most Beautiful" in its annual issue. 

The 31-year-old actress won an Oscar for her breakout performance in last fall's "12 Years a Slave", and has been an unstoppable force ever since.

Nyong'o says she is thrilled to receive the honor because of what it means for others. "It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," she tells the mag. "And especially, I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen."

Nyong'o, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, grew up thinking that she didn't fit into the mold of what was considered beautiful. After all, she didn't look like anyone she saw on TV. Those women had "light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she notes. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess," as she credits her mother with changing her mind.

America's newest "it" girl commented, "when I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on. And also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress," she reveals. "Happiness is the most important thing."

Congrats to Lupita for contributing her amazing artistry to cinema, but for also being that beacon of light for those young girls who see themselves in her.

2014 LA