Lupita Nyong'o's breakthrough year continues as the young actress has been named People magazine's Most Beautiful person, gracing the cover of the annual issue.
The 12 Years a Slave star and best supporting actress Oscar winner says she "never dreamed" she'd receive such an honor.
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o told People of gracing this year's cover. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen."
After impressing the fashion world with her red carpet looks during awards season, Nyong'o recently became the face of Lancome Paris.
Nyong'o, whose role in Slave was her first movie gig, says she initially equated beauty with what she saw on television.
"Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair," she says. "Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess."
But her mother always told Nyong'o she was beautiful, "and I finally believed her at some point," she says.
The actress, who recently signed with CAA, also reveals that she dyed her hair every color as a teen and even shaved her head once.
"It was very strange and very cold!" she says, laughing. "It was scary but I like to dare myself."
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