People Magazine's Annual Most Beautiful People List Chronicles The Changing Faces Of Beauty

Jimmy Henton

Every year, the anticipation builds as People magazine unveils its "Beautiful Issue," featuring a celebrity whose allure extends beyond the screen. In 2022, the chosen luminary not only captures our hearts with their undeniable charm but also serves as a poignant symbol of societal evolution.

While Hollywood boasts a constellation of stunning stars, gracing the cover of People's "Beautiful Issue" is a distinct accolade. It's a celebration of more than just physical beauty; it's a recognition of charisma, influence, and the ability to resonate with a diverse audience.

What makes 2022 particularly noteworthy is the choice of a celebrity whose presence reflects the evolving standards of beauty in our society. This selection goes beyond conventional aesthetics, spotlighting qualities that inspire and redefine our perceptions. As we delve into the pages of this year's issue, we not only witness the enchanting beauty of the chosen star but also catch a glimpse of the progressive shifts in our collective ideals.

1990: Michelle Pfeiffer

People Magazine's Annual Most Beautiful People List Source: Courtesy Everett Collection/East News

 Beyond her enchanting allure, Michelle Pfeiffer's recognition celebrated her versatile talent and captivating charisma, evident in iconic roles like "Scarface" and "Batman Returns." Michelle Pfeiffer's reign as the face of beauty in 1990 encapsulates a moment in time when Hollywood recognized the multifaceted nature of allure, transcending mere aesthetics to embrace strength, talent, and the changing ideals of beauty in society.

1991: Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS/East News

In 1991, Julia Roberts radiated Hollywood glamour as the face of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue."  Roberts, known for breakthrough roles in "Pretty Woman" and "Steel Magnolias," symbolized a shift away from conventional standards.

1992: Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster Source: PHOTOlink/Courtesy Everett Collection/East News

In 1992, Jodie Foster graced People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," epitomizing elegance and intelligence. Acknowledged for both her striking looks and unparalleled acting talent in films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Little Man Tate," Foster's selection marked a shift towards celebrating intelligence and skill in defining beauty. 

1993: Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford Source: imago stock&people/EAST NEWS

In 1993, Cindy Crawford's influential presence in the fashion world redefined beauty standards and symbolized an era of glamour. Her selection reflected a cultural shift where supermodels, like Crawford, were celebrated not just for their appearance but also for their charisma and influence. As a timeless symbol of beauty and elegance, Cindy Crawford's presence in the 1993 issue left an indelible mark on the perception of glamour in that era.

1994: Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan Source: Mary Evans/AF Archive/Graham Whitby Boot/East News

Meg Ryan is recognized for both her captivating looks and endearing performances in romantic comedies like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle," Ryan became an icon of '90s sweetness.

1995: Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox Source: Mary Evans/AF Archive/Graham Whitby Boot/East News.

In 1995, Courteney Cox took the spotlight as the featured star of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue." Her selection marked a cultural moment when television stars gained prominence in the definition of beauty. Courteney Cox's appearance in the 1995 issue showcased a blend of sophistication and approachability, leaving an indelible mark on the era's perception of beauty and grace.

1996: Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson Source: EAST NEWS

In 1996, People magazine featured Mel Gibson in its "Beautiful Issue," showcasing the actor's rugged charm and enduring appeal. Recognized for his handsome looks and notable roles, especially in "Braveheart," Gibson embodied the quintessential leading man of the mid-'90s.

1997: Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise Source: EAST NEWS

Tom Cruise is known not just for his dashing looks but also for his iconic roles in blockbuster films like "Top Gun" and "Jerry Maguire." Tom Cruise's appearance in the 1997 issue reflected an era when his charismatic presence and cinematic achievements seamlessly converged, shaping the evolving perceptions of male beauty in the late '90s.

1998: Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio Source: Mary Evans/AF Archive/David Gadd/East News

Leonardo DiCaprio captured hearts with his charismatic charm and Hollywood allure. Recognized not only for his striking looks but also for his transformative performances in acclaimed films like "Titanic" and "The Basketball Diaries," DiCaprio became the epitome of a leading heartthrob.

1999: Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer Source: Mary Evans/AF Archive/Graham Whitby Boot/East News

In 1999, Michelle Pfeiffer graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," radiating timeless beauty and sophistication. Acknowledged not only for her breathtaking looks but also for her outstanding performances in films like "Dangerous Liaisons" and "The Fabulous Baker Boys," Pfeiffer epitomized Hollywood elegance.

2000: Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts Source: Robert Hepler/Everett Collection/East News

Julia Roberts continued to captivate with her radiant charm and Hollywood grace. Recognized for her stunning looks and iconic roles in films like "Pretty Woman" and "Erin Brockovich," Roberts' appearance in the 2000 issue mirrored an era where her charisma, talent, and cinematic achievements seamlessly shaped and influenced evolving perceptions of beauty, solidifying her status as an enduring icon in the early 2000s.

2001: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones Source: Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection/East News

In 2001, Catherine Zeta-Jones graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," exuding timeless beauty and Hollywood glamour. Catherine Zeta-Jones' appearance in the 2001 issue reflected an era where her sophistication, charisma, and cinematic achievements seamlessly shaped evolving perceptions of female beauty, solidifying her status as an iconic p during this period.

2002: Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman Source: Mary Evans/Allstar/Graham Whitby Boot/East News

Nicole Kidman is recognized not only for her stunning looks but also for her compelling performances in films like "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Others," Kidman stood as the epitome of a leading actress. Her selection marked a cultural moment when Kidman's enduring charm and versatile talent continued to redefine standards of beauty in the early 2000s.

2003: Halle Berry

Halle Berry Source: Mary Evans/Allstar/Graham Whitby Boot/East News

In 2003, Halle Berry graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," emanating both grace and Hollywood glamour. Berry's appearance in the 2003 issue reflected an era where her charisma, talent, and historic achievements seamlessly shaped evolving perceptions of female beauty, cementing her status as an iconic p during this period.

2004: Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston Source: EAST NEWS

In 2004, Jennifer Aniston graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue" by radiating timeless charm and Hollywood appeal. Recognized not only for her stunning looks but also for her iconic role as Rachel Green in "Friends," Aniston stood as the epitome of a beloved actress.

2005: Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts Source: EVERETT COLLECTION/EAST NEWS

In 2005, Julia Roberts once again graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," radiating her timeless charm and Hollywood elegance. 

2006: Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie Source: EVERETT COLLECTION/EAST NEWS

In 2006, Angelina Jolie graced the coveted pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," emanating both striking beauty and undeniable Hollywood allure. Acknowledged not only for her captivating looks but also for her humanitarian efforts and acclaimed roles in films like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and "A Mighty Heart," Jolie also stood as the epitome of a multifaceted actress. 

2007: Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore Source: EVERETT COLLECTION/EAST NEWS

In 2007, Drew Barrymore is known for her diverse and memorable roles in films like "The Wedding Singer" and "Never Been Kissed." 

2008: Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson Source: MARCOCCHI GIULIO/EAST NEWS

Kate Hudson is famous for her captivating performances in films like "Almost Famous" and "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. 

2009: Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate Source: MARCOCCHI GIULIO/SIPA/EAST NEWS

In 2009, Christina Applegate graced People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," embodying both timeless Hollywood sophistication and natural charm. Within the pages of the 2009 issue, her magnetic charm and versatile talent contributed to the evolving perceptions of female beauty, solidifying her as an emblematic p of that transformative period.

2011: Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez Source: ; Gregorio T. Binuya/Everett Collection/East News

Acknowledged not only for her timeless elegance but also for her multifaceted talents as a singer, actress, and dancer, Lopez became the epitome of a versatile entertainer. Her selection marked a cultural milestone, where Lopez's enduring allure and dynamic artistry continued to redefine standards of beauty in the early 2010s.

2012: Beyoncé

Beyoncé Source: AP/East News

In 2012, Beyoncé illuminated the pages of People magazine. Beyoncé's appearance in the 2012 issue reflected an era where her captivating allure, dynamic artistry, and profound cultural impact seamlessly shaped evolving perceptions of female beauty, solidifying her as an iconic p during this transformative period.

2013: Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow Source: East News

Gwyneth Paltrow embodied the essence of a multi-dimensional artist. Her inclusion marked a cultural milestone, reshaping beauty standards in the early 2010s. Gwyneth Paltrow's feature in the 2013 issue mirrored an era where her graceful presence, varied contributions, and cultural impact seamlessly influenced changing perceptions of female beauty, establishing her as an iconic p during this transformative period.

2014: Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o Source: Dee Cercone/Everett Collection/East News

Lupita Nyong’o is recognized not only for her captivating looks but also for her powerful performances in films like "12 Years a Slave," Nyong’o epitomized the essence of a talented and influential actress. Her selection marked a cultural highlight, redefining beauty standards and celebrating diversity in the mid-2010s.

2015: Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock Source: Dee Cercone/Everett Collection/East News

In 2015, Sandra Bullock graced the pages of People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," exuding both timeless beauty and Hollywood grace. Sandra Bullock's appearance in the 2015 issue mirrored an era where her poise, dynamic contributions, and cultural resonance seamlessly influenced evolving perceptions of female beauty, establishing her as an iconic p during this transformative period.

2016: Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston Source: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/East News

In 2016,  Jennifer Aniston's continued appearance in the 2016 issue mirrored an era where her grace, versatile contributions, and cultural impact seamlessly shaped evolving perceptions of female beauty, solidifying her as an iconic p during this transformative period.

2017: Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts Source: AdMedia/SIPA/EAST NEWS

Julia Roberts is famous not only for her iconic looks but also for her remarkable performances in films like "Pretty Woman" and "Erin Brockovich," Roberts embodied the essence of a celebrated actress.

2018: Pink

Pink Source: © Steve Granitz / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

In 2018, Pink is known not only for her distinctive looks but also for her powerful voice and impactful performances, Pink epitomized the essence of a versatile artist. Her inclusion marked a cultural highlight, shaping beauty standards and celebrating the strength and individuality of women in the late 2010s.

2019: Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner Source: Grosby Group/East News

 Jennifer Garner is globally known for her versatile talents showcased in films like "13 Going on 30" and "Dallas Buyers Club." Garner embodied the essence of a beloved actress.

2020: Kate Hudson, daughter Rani Rose Fujikawa and mom Goldie Hawn

In 2020, Kate Hudson, her daughter Rani Rose Fujikawa, and mom Goldie Hawn graced People magazine's "Beautiful Issue," celebrating beauty, love, and family across generations. This multigenerational portrait marked a cultural highlight, emphasizing the diverse facets of beauty found within familial bonds. Kate Hudson, Rani Rose Fujikawa, and Goldie Hawn's appearances in the 2020 issue reflected an era where beauty extended beyond individual attributes, symbolizing the enduring appeal of family and the evolving perceptions of beauty during this transformative period.

2021: Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen Source: Invision/Invision/East News

Chrissy Teigen took center stage in People magazine's "Beautiful Issue" in 2021.  Her inclusion marked a cultural highlight, shaping beauty standards and celebrating the diversity of women's strengths and accomplishments in the 2020s. 

2022: Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren Source: Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News

In 2022, Helen Mirren is acknowledged not only for her ageless beauty but also for her acclaimed performances in films like "The Queen" and "The Leisure Seeker. Helen Mirren's appearance in the 2022 issue reflected an era where grace, talent, and experience were celebrated, influencing evolving perceptions of beauty and establishing her as an iconic p during this transformative period.

2023: Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is recognized for her versatile performances in films like "Bridesmaids" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" McCarthy epitomized the essence of a multifaceted actress. Her inclusion marked a cultural highlight, reshaping beauty standards and celebrating the diverse facets of women's strengths and achievements in the early 2020s.