By Maria Myka (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Apr 24, 2014 10:35 PM EDT

It seems that Lupita Nyong'o is having it all -- a hit movie, a deal with a cosmetics giant, and the title "Most Beautiful Person for 2014" from People Magazine, and the year is not even half over yet.

The Kenyan actress joins the ranks of famous Hollywood A-listers that include Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, and Beyonce. This year, she topped the list, putting stars Kerri Russell, Pink, and Amber Heard on the side.

Nyong'o grabbed people's attention particularly during the awards season, as the 31-year-old actress collected awards at every turn with her role in the film "12 Years a Slave", all the while dazzling in fashionable gowns on the red carpet. Among her best looks included a red Ralph Lauren at the Golden Globes, an emerald green Dior at the Baftas, and a look of perfection in a blue Prada at the Academy Awards.

Honored as Lancome's first black ambassador, Nyong'o shared her thoughts about being the face of a cosmetic giant. She said, as noted by Today, "I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself."

She also made headlines for the moving speech she gave as she accepted the best breakthrough performance during the 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. She shared, "I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin. I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin."

In another "Today" interview, she shared with Savannah Gurthrie how she felt about being given the award. "I'm flattered, but flattered sounds like such a flighty word, you know? I'm flattered with, like, gravitas under it."

She also said, "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."

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