Honestly, it’s the most ridiculous title in Hollywood. We all know it. Every year, right around November, People Magazine drops a cover that starts a million group chat wars. It’s supposed to be the definitive Sexiest Man Alive list, but more often than not, it feels like a very expensive inside joke.
Think about it. You’ve got some of the most genetically blessed humans on the planet, and yet, half the time the internet reacts with a collective, "Wait, him?"
The 2024 and 2025 picks really proved that the "sexy" vibe has shifted. It's not just about having eight-pack abs or being a literal Norse god (looking at you, Hemsworth). It’s become a weird mix of nice-guy energy, career momentum, and apparently, how much you're willing to help with the dishes.
The Jonathan Bailey Era: 2025’s Big Shift
In 2025, the crown went to Jonathan Bailey. If you’ve seen Bridgerton or Fellow Travelers, you probably weren't surprised. He’s got that classic leading-man charm, but his win was actually a massive milestone. Bailey became the first openly gay man to take the top spot in the 40-year history of the title.
It felt like a "finally" moment for a lot of fans.
Bailey’s reaction was pretty on-brand for him. He called the whole thing "completely absurd" while talking to Jimmy Fallon. He was actually in the middle of performing Shakespeare’s Richard II when he got the call. Imagine going from playing a doomed medieval king to being the world's official heartthrob in the span of a lunch break.
That 2024 John Krasinski Moment
Before Bailey, we had John Krasinski in 2024. This one actually divided people more than you’d think. Not because people don’t like Jim Halpert—everyone loves Jim—but because 2024 was the year of "White Boy Summer" and "Hot Rodent Men." People were expecting Glenn Powell or maybe Jeremy Allen White.
Instead, we got the guy who directs horror movies and treats Emily Blunt like a queen.
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Krasinski’s whole pitch for the win was basically: "I’m just a dad who does chores." He joked that his wife, Emily Blunt, promised to wallpaper their house with the cover. Honestly, that’s probably the real secret to making the Sexiest Man Alive list these days. You have to be "attainably" hot. You have to look like someone who would actually help carry the groceries in.
How the List Actually Happens (It’s Not Just a Vote)
A lot of people think there’s some secret council of elders or a massive public poll that decides this. It’s way more corporate than that. The editors at People basically look at who is having a massive year.
- Box Office Power: Did you just star in a Marvel movie or a viral streaming hit?
- The "Vibe" Check: Are people talking about you on TikTok?
- Availability: This is the part nobody talks about. To be the Sexiest Man Alive, you have to agree to do the photo shoot and the interview. If the "hottest" guy of the year says no, they move down the list.
That’s why you sometimes see "safe" picks. They need someone who plays well with suburban moms and Gen Z alike. It’s a delicate balancing act between "edgy" and "someone you could take home to dinner."
The Benny Blanco Controversy of 2024
We can't talk about the recent lists without mentioning Benny Blanco. In 2024, he didn't win the cover, but he was featured in the issue, and the internet basically melted down.
People were brutal. There were tweets asking if Selena Gomez "paid for the spot." But here’s the thing—Blanco being in that issue was a genius move by the magazine. It redefined what the "list" is about. He’s not a traditional hunk. He’s a guy who cooks, wears colorful prints, and talks openly about how much he loves his girlfriend.
It sparked a real conversation about whether "sexy" is about a jawline or about how you treat people. Whether you love him or hate him, he made the Sexiest Man Alive list relevant to a whole new audience.
A Quick Look at the Hall of Fame
If we look back at the history, the list is basically a map of what society found attractive at the time.
- Mel Gibson (1985): The original. He was the peak "action hero" of the 80s.
- Sean Connery (1989): Still the oldest winner ever. He was 59. It proved that "distinguished" was definitely a category.
- John F. Kennedy Jr. (1988): One of the only non-entertainers to ever win.
- The Double Winners: Only a few guys have won twice—Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Richard Gere.
Why Some Favorites Never Win
It’s a running joke that some of the most obvious choices have never touched the cover. Rob Lowe has been vocal about this. He’s literally been handsome for 40 years straight and still hasn't gotten it. He joked that it must be "Russian collusion."
Then you have guys like Ryan Gosling, who reportedly turned it down multiple times. Apparently, some actors think the title is a bit "cringe" or might hurt their chances at serious Oscar roles. It’s a weird badge of honor that not everyone wants to wear.
What’s Next for the List?
As we move further into 2026, the criteria is only getting more complex. We’re seeing more diversity, more musicians, and more guys who don't fit the "muscle-bound jock" trope. The days of only having a specific type of Hollywood lead are mostly gone.
If you’re looking to "win" the internet’s version of the list, here is the unofficial guide:
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- Be self-deprecating. If you act like you’re too hot for the title, people hate it.
- Have a niche hobby. Whether it’s woodworking or being a "Swiftie," people love a guy with a personality.
- Support your partner. The "husband energy" of Krasinski and Blanco is the current gold standard.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the guys who are dominating the "Best Supporting Actor" categories or the indie darlings of the moment. That’s usually where the next big winner is hiding.
Your Next Step: Take a look at the current box office leaders for 2026—the next winner is almost certainly in the top five of those credits right now. Or, check out the recent Emmy nominations; the "prestige TV" to "Sexiest Man Alive" pipeline is stronger than ever.