Who Won Sexiest Man Alive 2024: The Choice That Shocked the Internet

You probably remember where you were when the news dropped. Or maybe you don't. Maybe you just scrolled past a picture of a guy with a slightly confused expression and a very nice sweater and thought, "Wait, him?"

Yeah, it happened. John Krasinski is the man who won Sexiest Man Alive 2024.

The reveal went down on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in mid-November, and honestly, the internet had some thoughts. It wasn't exactly the "obvious" choice of the year—if there even is such a thing anymore. People were placing bets on Glen Powell or maybe even a wild card like Jacob Elordi. But People magazine went with the guy who played Jim Halpert.

He's 45 now. He's a director. He's a dad. And apparently, he’s the sexiest man on the planet.

Why John Krasinski?

The "Sexiest Man Alive" title isn't just about having a six-pack, though Krasinski definitely got ripped for 13 Hours and Jack Ryan. It’s usually about who had a massive year or who feels like the "ultimate husband" archetype.

Krasinski fits that "internet's husband" vibe perfectly. He’s been married to Emily Blunt for 14 years. They have two kids. They seem genuinely happy, which is a rare currency in Hollywood. In his interview with People, he joked that his wife was going to make him do more household chores now that he has the title.

"I think it's going to make me do more household chores," he told the magazine. "After this comes out, she’ll be like, ‘All right, that means you’re going to really earn it here at home.’"

🔗 Read more: Why Sexy Pictures of Mariah Carey Are Actually a Masterclass in Branding

The Success of "IF" and the Quiet Place Legacy

2024 was a big professional year for him, too. He released IF, a movie about imaginary friends that he wrote, directed, and starred in. It was a massive swing—a family movie that tried to capture that old-school Pixar magic. While he's moved far away from the paper company in Scranton, that "good guy" energy follows him everywhere.

He also basically runs the A Quiet Place franchise at this point.

The Internet's "Mixed" Reaction

Let’s be real for a second. Every year, when People announces the winner, half the internet celebrates and the other half loses its mind.

The 2024 announcement was no different.

Twitter (or X, whatever) was a battlefield. Some fans were thrilled, citing his transformation from the "floppy-haired guy from The Office" to a bearded, muscular action star. Others were... less convinced. There were a lot of "Where is Glen Powell?" and "What about Pedro Pascal?" posts flying around.

In fact, the trolling got so loud that some reports suggested Krasinski actually took a break from social media for a bit. He’s notoriously shy about the internet anyway. He once mentioned that back in The Office days, reading IMDB message boards "scared the absolute hell" out of him.

💡 You might also like: Lindsay Lohan Leak: What Really Happened with the List and the Scams

How the Winner Actually Gets Picked

There’s a common misconception that there’s a massive public vote for the main title.

There isn't.

While People does run "Readers' Choice" polls for specific categories (like Sexiest First-Time Dad or Sexiest Tattoos), the big cover star is chosen by a committee of editors. It’s a mix of:

• The Zeitgeist: Who is everyone talking about right now?
• The Portfolio: Does this person have a big movie or show coming out?
• The "Yes": Believe it or not, some celebs actually turn the title down. Ryan Gosling is famously rumored to have said no multiple times. You have to be willing to "own" it, do the photoshoot, and handle the inevitable jokes from your friends.

Other Men Who Won Big in 2024

Krasinski wasn't the only one getting a trophy (or at least a mention) in the "sexy" department. The 2024 issue was packed with other categories that the readers actually did vote on.

• Sexiest Summer Action Star: Glen Powell (shocker, right?)
• Sexiest Tattoos: Jeremy Allen White (thanks to those Calvin Klein ads)
• Sexiest First-Time Dad: Robert Pattinson
• Sexiest Musician: Harry Styles
• Sexiest Talk Show Host: Mark Consuelos

There was also a nod to Jonathan Bailey, who later went on to be named the 2025 winner. So, if you were a Bailey fan in 2024, you just had to wait a few months for your time to shine.

The Evolution of "Sexy"

If you look back at the first winner, Mel Gibson in 1985, the definition has changed a lot. It used to be very "traditional leading man." Now, the magazine leans into "nice guys," funny guys, and guys who are active in social causes.

📖 Related: Kaley Cuoco Tit Size: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Transformation

Take Michael B. Jordan’s win in 2020. That wasn't just about his looks; it was about his activism during the Black Lives Matter movement. For Krasinski, it feels like a win for the "DILF" era—the relatable, funny dad who also happens to be a multi-hyphenate mogul.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Title

People think being named Sexiest Man Alive is like winning an Oscar. It’s not. It’s a PR machine.

It’s about selling magazines and generating clicks. That doesn't mean the person isn't attractive—obviously, they are—but it’s a strategic move. If an actor has a movie to promote and they’re willing to play along with the "Oh, me? I'm just a normal guy" narrative, they're a prime candidate.

Krasinski played the part perfectly. He didn't try to be "cool." He acted surprised. He joked about his kids. He made it feel like a win for the underdogs (even though he's a rich, famous, handsome movie star).

Actionable Insights for the Pop Culture Fan

If you're following the trajectory of these awards, here’s how to "predict" next year:

• Watch the Fall Movie Slate: People usually announces the winner in November. Look for a guy who has a huge blockbuster coming out right around Thanksgiving.
• Check the "Husband" Factor: The magazine loves a man who talks about how much he loves his wife. If a guy is newly single or involved in a messy scandal, his chances drop to zero.
• The "Relatability" Test: Can the person make a joke about themselves? If they take it too seriously, the public usually turns on them.

Want to see how Krasinski stacks up against the greats? You can always go back and look at the 40-year history of the title, starting with Mel Gibson and moving through the Brad Pitt and George Clooney eras. It's a weird, fascinating look at how our standards of "hotness" change every decade.