Lupita Nyong’o announced as People Magazine's Most Beautiful star

PUBLISHED: 13:49, 23 April 2014 | UPDATED: 18:42, 23 April 2014

Last year was a phenomenal time for relatively-unknown actress Lupita Nyong’o, starring in her first feature film, 12 Years A Slave.

But it looks like 2014 is going to trounce last year with, not only an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress under her belt, but the 31-year-old being given the title of People magazine’s Most Beautiful woman.

Speaking to the magazine about her incredible accolade, the actress explained when she grew up she thought the definition of beauty was ‘light skin and flowing, straight hair’.

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She's the one: The magazine have announced their 'Most Beautiful' person of 2014

Red carpet wonder: Lupita didn't put a foot wrong throughout awards season, and wowed fashion critics at the Oscars with her gorgeous gown

Colour block queen: Lupita wowed at the EE British Academy Film Awards in London in emerald green Christian Dior, and her red Ralph Lauren creation was the dress of the night at the Golden Globes

What a star: Lupita was very humble about her new title and being told she was the Most Beautiful person

But she’s proud of her achievement, adding: [My mother] always said I was beautiful. And I finally believed her at some point.’

She said she was excited for the news to be announced, not just for her benefit, but for all the young girls in the world: ‘All the girls who would see me … and feel a little more seen.’

The Oscar winner is also the face of Lancôme Paris, and has a busy time ahead as she’s rumoured to be taking a role in thriller Who Shot The Sherriff.

Lupita Nyong'o on being People Magazine's Most Beautiful

For the full interview visit Today

The shoot: The star took part in a shoot ready for the announcement of her new title

The beauty also confessed to being a tom boy at a young age.

'I would never look in the mirror, never, ever,' she said. 'One day my mother actually dragged me and made me look at myself and said, "Look, you are ashy! You need some lotion!"'

Turns out the Yale graduate did have some beauty issues. 'I had very patchy, rashy skin, mainly on my face,' she said. 'My mother found some remedy in Madagascar, like herbs in a vial. Oh, it smelled terrible - but it worked.'

Nyong'o also admitted to experimenting with her hair many times, even going bald once. 'It was very strange and very cold,' she commented. 'I was just curious. It was scary, but I like to dare myself.'

Stunning: It's not hard to see why the actress was given the title as she poses for a picture

PEOPLE MAGAZINE'S MOST BEAUTIFUL 2014

1. Lupita Nyong'o
2. Kerri Russell
3. Jenna Dewan-Tatum
4. Mindy Kaling
5. Pink
6. Amber Heard
7. Gabrielle Union
8. Molly Sims
9. Stacy Keibler
10. Kerry Washington

People magazine’s latest list will hit newsstands later this week – but the top ten has already been revealed online.

Felicity star Keri Russell is runner up with her alabaster skin tone and natural beauty.

New mother Jenna Dewan-Tatum is third in line to the throne with her chiselled cheekbones and perfect jawline helping her to inch her way up the list.

New-girl on the block Mindy Kaling has made an epic impression upon Hollywood since hitting our screens with The Mindy Project in 2012.

And the 34-year-old American has been voted the fourth most beautiful star on People’s list, this year.

Pink, 34, who has never been one to follow the conventional beauty theme, is fifth in this list with her beauty shining through during her awe-inspiring stage performances.

The future Mrs. Johnny Depp, 28, a siren both on and off screen, Amber Heard has won sixth position on the beautiful list.

Fans might remember her from Bring It On, but Gabrielle Union is now 41 – not that anyone can tell as this American star has a youthful magnificence. She’s also number seven on the magazine’s list.

The rest of the list: Kerri Russell and Jenna Dewan-Tatum were second and third respectively

Mindy Kaling has made an epic impression upon Hollywood since hitting our screens with The Mindy Project in 2012

They're also beautiful: Singer Pink has always been a natural beauty - and Amber Heard, soon to be Mrs. Johnny Depp, was also on the list

And 40-year-old Molly Sims is also noted in the list, with George Clooney’s ex-girlfriend Stacy Keibler, 34, bringing up the rear in ninth position.

And the tenth ‘most beautiful’ person on People’s list is the ever-graceful Kerry Washington, 37, who told Doobop.com: ‘The reality is we all have nerves and moments of insecurity … But if I said to myself that I'm only going to show up, or speak or be visible when I'm perfect, I would never get out of bed.’