Lupita Nyong’o is People Magazine’s ‘Most Beautiful Woman in the World’

Lupita Nyong’o is People Magazine’s ‘Most Beautiful Woman in the World’ and graces the cover of the annual ’50 Most Beautiful People’ issue. The Oscar-winning ’12 Years a Slave’ actress who has become a style icon is now the recipient of yet another honor, marking her still-rising international fame.

The 31-year-old Kenyan actress has a literal shelf of awards for her portrayal of a slave in ’12 Years a Slave.’ Along with the much-coveted Oscar, there is a Golden Globe, a SAG, a BAFTA and several others. She has also made her mark as a style icon, and has landed an endorsement deal with Lancôme Paris.

Now, she has a new accolade which, as she shares with People magazine, “It was exciting and just a major, major compliment.” And, she went on to make an important statement, acknowledging just what an achievement it is for a woman of color. She said, “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.”

The exclusive announcement and unveiling was on the Today Show, and with it, a prerecorded interview with Lupita Nyong’o conducted by co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

In that interview, which you can see below, the actress reflected upon her own personal journey of self-acceptance, which she had spoken of, recently, in a powerful speech she delivered at the Essence Women in Hollywood event, sharing how she had been previously bullied for the color of her skin — which she called “night-shaded.”

She said that she credits her mother who told her that “you can’t rely on how you look to sustain you.” She went on to say that her mother told her that “what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul.”

She went on to say, “What an incredible journey to go from that feeling to being on the cover of this magazine.I mean, you could have never told me that that would happen when I was 16 and insecure about my complexion.”

You can see the People magazine cover and photos here. Watch the full interview from the Today Show below and see some of Lupita Nyong’o red carpet pictures!

Pictures: PR Photos

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/QEwpUptpvLM/

Gina Philips Danneel Harris Rebecca Mader Georgina Grenville Lauren Bush Asia Argento