Everyone thinks they know who the sexiest woman alive 2024 is until they actually check the newsstands. Usually, there's a consensus. One name. One face. But this year? Things got weirdly fragmented.
You’ve probably seen the headlines. Some people are screaming about Sydney Sweeney. Others are convinced it’s still Margot Robbie. Honestly, the answer depends entirely on which magazine you’re holding and how you define "sexy" in a year that felt obsessed with both Gen Z newcomers and 90s icons.
The Shocking Maxim Choice
Let's talk about the curveball no one saw coming. When Maxim dropped their Hot 100 for 2024, they didn't pick a 22-year-old TikTok star. They went with Elizabeth Hurley.
Yes, Liz Hurley. At 59 years old.
She became the oldest woman to ever take the top spot, and honestly, it kind of makes sense. While everyone else is trying too hard with filters, Hurley is out here living in her manor in Herefordshire, designing bikinis, and looking exactly like she did in Austin Powers. She beat out the likes of Zendaya and Miley Cyrus. It wasn't just a win for her; it was a massive "hold my drink" to the idea that Hollywood relevance has an expiration date.
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People Magazine and the Emily Blunt Factor
Now, People Magazine does things differently. They don't actually crown a "Sexiest Woman Alive" in the same way they do for men (John Krasinski took the 2024 man-title, by the way). Instead, they release their "Beauties of the Year" list.
Emily Blunt essentially took the pole position for 2024.
Coming off the massive success of Oppenheimer and The Fall Guy, Blunt represented a specific kind of 2024 energy: grounded, professional, and ridiculously charming. She wasn't the only one on that pedestal, though. The list was a literal powerhouse of talent:
- Emma Stone: Fresh off her Poor Things Oscar win.
- Ariana Grande: Reclaiming her pop throne with Eternal Sunshine.
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph: Proving that confidence and craft are the ultimate "it" factors.
It’s interesting because People’s list felt more like a "who is actually running Hollywood right now" tally rather than just a swimsuit competition.
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The Sydney Sweeney Phenomenon
You can't discuss the sexiest woman alive 2024 conversation without mentioning Sydney Sweeney. If the internet had a single vote, she would have won by a landslide.
Between Anyone But You becoming a surprise box office juggernaut and her hosting SNL, she was everywhere. But here’s the thing: Sweeney is savvy. She’s leaning into the "sex symbol" label while simultaneously producing her own films and fixing up vintage Ford Broncos. That duality—being a bombshell who can also swap out a transmission—is basically the 2024 blueprint for "sexy."
Science vs. Vibes
If you’re the type of person who needs math to prove beauty, the "Golden Ratio" folks had their say too. According to facial mapping science—which measures things like the distance between eyes and the symmetry of the lips—Bella Hadid and Jodie Comer usually fight for the top spot.
For 2024, Jodie Comer stayed at the top of many "most beautiful" lists with a facial accuracy score of 94.52%. It’s a bit clinical, sure. But it explains why brands like Noble Panacea and Loewe are falling over themselves to sign her.
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Why the 2024 Title Felt Different
In previous years, these lists felt like they were written by the same three guys in a dark room. This year felt broader. We saw Caitlin Clark making "hottest" lists not because she’s a model, but because she’s the most dominant athlete on the planet. We saw Lily Gladstone being celebrated for a quiet, soulful presence that redefined what "captivating" looks like on screen.
The sexiest woman alive 2024 wasn't just a single person; it was a vibe shift. It was about Elizabeth Hurley proving age is a myth, Sydney Sweeney taking control of her own narrative, and Emily Blunt showing that being "the best at your job" is incredibly attractive.
How to Track the Real Winners
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and understand how these rankings actually work, here is what you need to do:
- Check the "Big Three" Publications: Look at Maxim (usually released mid-year), People (late year), and TC Candler (end of December). They all use different criteria.
- Look at Box Office Impact: In 2024, "hotness" was directly tied to "bankability." If an actress didn't have a hit, she likely wasn't on the list.
- Ignore the "Engagement Bait": Many Twitter accounts post "official" rankings that are just made up for likes. Stick to the legacy brands if you want the "official" titles.
The real takeaway from 2024? The "Sexiest Woman" title is no longer just about a specific look. It’s about longevity, talent, and—apparently—being able to rock a bikini better at 59 than most people do at 25.