Lupita Nyong'o has been named this year's most beautiful person by People magazine! The 12 Years a Slave star has been lauded not only for her breakout role as Patsey in the film (earning her an Academy Award for her performance), but also for her beauty and style. Nyong'o recently signed on as Lancôme Paris and her flawless face has been gracing the covers of magazines while wooing us with her down-to-earth personality. Now People has chosen the 31-year-old for the title and the cover of its annual issue listing the most gorgeous celebs on the scene.

"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o said of being named the most beautiful person. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen."

In previous interviews, Nyong'o has said that she didn't always feel so comfortable in her skin, a sentiment she repeated during her chat for People magazine.

"Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she said when explaining how these popular images on television and media led to her equating those features with beauty. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess."

Thankfully, her mother, Dorothy, kept reminding her of her own beauty and "I finally believed her," Nyong'o said.
BET.com always gives you the latest fashion and beauty trends, tips and news. We are committed to bringing you the best of Black lifestyle and celebrity culture.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Jill Scott, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross and many more. Click here for more details and info on how to purchase tickets.

(Photos: Alexi Lubomirski/People Magazine, May 2014)