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The Most Beautiful Women Of All Time

Rihanna

In the time it takes most artists to plan an album, Rihanna’s probably released three, launched two businesses, and invented a new fashion trend. With eight albums in ten years and a business empire that keeps growing, she’s basically unavoidable – not that anyone’s complaining. When you’re this cool, ubiquity is a gift to the rest of us.

Lupita Nyong’o

Let me tell you about a moment that shook Hollywood: when Lupita Nyong’o stepped onto that Oscar stage in 2013. Her role in “12 Years a Slave” wasn’t just award-winning – it was groundbreaking. As the first African actress to snag that golden statue for Best Supporting Actress (and the first Kenyan to win any Oscar), she didn’t just open doors; she kicked them wide open. Ever since then, fashion magazines can’t get enough of her. Trust me, if there’s a “best-dressed” list out there, you’ll find Lupita’s name on it.

Blake Lively

Here’s a fun story of art meeting life: Before she was making waves in films like “The Shallows,” Blake Lively was the queen bee of “Gossip Girl.” And get this – she ended up dating her on-screen love interest during filming. Talk about method acting! These days, she’s carved out quite the career in Hollywood and, as you probably know, landed herself a certain Ryan Reynolds. I’d say things worked out pretty well, wouldn’t you?

Zoë Kravitz

Want to talk about cool? Let’s chat about Zoë Kravitz. Sure, she inherited her dad Lenny’s rock star DNA, but she’s blazed her own trail. When she showed up in “Big Little Lies,” everyone sat up and took notice. Oh, and here’s a little tidbit that’ll surprise you – between taking on Hollywood and fronting her band, she finds time to crochet. How’s that for breaking stereotypes?

Emma Watson

If you’re keeping score at home, Emma Watson’s resume reads like a superhero’s checklist: Hermione Granger (check), millionaire before 30 (check), UN ambassador (check), champion for gender equality (check), and founder of a global book club (because why not?). At just 34, this British powerhouse has accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime.

Brigitte Bardot

Ah, B.B. – now there’s a complicated story. In the ’50s and ’60s, she wasn’t just an actress; she wastheactress. The original French bombshell who could stop traffic with a glance. Later, she channeled all that star power into animal rights activism, though I should mention her later years took a controversial turn with some rather unfortunate views on race.

Audrey Hepburn

Picture this: one of the most iconic actresses in history looking in the mirror and telling her son she doesn’t understand why people think she’s beautiful. Yes, that was Audrey Hepburn – proof that sometimes the most extraordinary people don’t see what the rest of us see. If Audrey Hepburn had doubts about her beauty, what hope is there for the rest of us mere mortals?

Natalie Portman

Talk about the complete package – Natalie Portman is what happens when you combine brains, talent, and beauty in equal measure. Not content with just winning an Oscar, she went ahead and graduated from Harvard too. Now she’s added “director” to her resume, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up solving world hunger by 2035. Some people just make the rest of us look lazy, right?

Freida Pinto

Remember when “Slumdog Millionaire” took over the world in 2008? Well, it also gave us Freida Pinto, and we’re forever grateful. While some might debate the film’s merits, there’s no arguing about its greatest discovery. Since then, she’s become a darling of the fashion world and earned herself the unofficial title of “India’s biggest global star.” Not bad for a debut role, wouldn’t you say?

Jessica Chastain

Here’s what’s refreshing about Jessica Chastain: in an age of oversharing, she lets her work do the talking. Over the past five years, she’s quietly built one of the most impressive acting portfolios in Hollywood. Sure, she’ll show up on red carpets looking absolutely stunning, but then it’s right back to the craft. No drama, no headlines – just pure talent.

M.I.A.

Ever met someone who makes you feel completely unaccomplished? Meet M.I.A., or Mathangi Arulpragasam if you’re feeling formal. This London-born powerhouse isn’t just a rapper – she’s a singer, producer, director, visual artist, activist, photographer, fashion designer, and model. I’m tired just typing all that out.

Ursula Andress

Let’s talk about the bikini that changed cinema history. When Ursula Andress emerged from the ocean in “Dr. No” as Honey Ryder (yes, that was really her character’s name), she didn’t just create a movie moment – she created a cultural phenomenon. That white two-piece became so iconic that 40 years later, people were still voting it the “greatest sexy movie moment” ever. As Andress herself put it, that bikini wasn’t just a costume – it was her ticket to freedom and financial independence.

Monica Belucci

Here’s a model-turned-actress who actually turned out to be a brilliant actress. While English-speaking audiences might know her from “The Matrix” sequels (you know, the ones we try to forget about), or as the “oldest Bond girl” in “Spectre” (can we retire that phrase already?), her most compelling work is in European cinema, particularly her brave performance in the controversial “Irréversible.”

Beyoncé

What can I say about Queen Bey that hasn’t already been said? She’s not just a musician – she’s a force of nature. Businesswoman, activist, cultural icon… she’s redefined what it means to be a modern celebrity. And somehow, between running the world and breaking the internet, she makes time to make Jay-Z look like he won the lottery of life.

Halle Berry

2002 was Halle Berry’s year. Fresh from making history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for “Monster’s Ball,” she had Hollywood eating out of her palm. Then came “Catwoman” (we don’t need to talk about that), but here’s what’s amazing – she’s still the only woman who’s made short hair a universal object of envy. That’s power.

Marilyn Monroe

When you think of beauty icons, Marilyn Monroe is probably the first name that pops into your head. But here’s what most people don’t know: behind that “dumb blonde” persona was a savvy businesswoman who got fed up with studio contracts and started her own production company in 1954. That’s right – while Hollywood was trying to put her in a box, she was busy building her empire.

Marine Vacth

The French have a way of making everything look effortlessly beautiful, and Marine Vacth is exhibit A. When her film “Jeune & Jolie” hit London, her face on bus and tube station posters caused more than a few distracted accidents. I mean, even the Brits had to admit – maybe the French are onto something with their whole “French beauty” thing.

Scarlett Johansson

You know what makes Scarlett Johansson special? It’s not just the obvious stuff – it’s that voice. Husky, sardonic, and somehow both cool and warm at the same time. When she sings, it’s like honey over gravel. Too much? Well, you try describing Scarlett Johansson without sounding like a lovesick poet.

Miranda Kerr

Here’s a fun fact: Miranda Kerr might be the only famous Australian who didn’t do time on “Neighbours” first. Starting her modeling career at 13, she’s become one of those rare models whose face can sell anything – from luxury fashion to everyday beauty products. And magazines? Let’s just say putting Miranda on the cover is basically printing money.

Carey Mulligan

If you haven’t seen Carey Mulligan’s five-minute singing scene in “Shame,” do yourself a favor and look it up. This BAFTA winner has built a career on quality rather than quantity, choosing roles that matter over easy paydays. And you’ve got to respect someone who married a member of Mumford & Sons – that’s either true love or really good earplugs.

Sophia Loren

Let’s talk about making history: Sophia Loren became the first actor to win an Oscar for a non-English-speaking role (1962’s “Two Women”). But that’s just one jewel in her crown of achievements that includes Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and even a Grammy. Remember this for your next pub quiz – you can thank me later.

Gigi Hadid

At just 29, Gigi Hadid (along with sister Bella) has already conquered the modeling world. And while some might be content with that, something tells me we haven’t seen anything yet. Mark my words: there’s probably a Hollywood career in her future, because apparently being one of the world’s most successful models just isn’t enough.

Eva Green

Most celebrities list hobbies like yoga or cooking. Eva Green? She collects preserved skulls and insects. Now that’s interesting. This French actress, who prefers quiet evenings by the fire to wild parties, has built a career on roles as intriguing as her hobbies. From being the best Bond girl of the Daniel Craig era to her collaborations with Tim Burton, she’s proof that different is definitely better.

Eva Mendes

Here’s a career path you don’t see every day: almost-nun turns actress turns bedding designer. Eva Mendes has lived many lives – from appearing in music videos for everyone from Pet Shop Boys to Will Smith, to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Who else can say they’ve worked with both CeeLo Green and high-end homeware?

Naomi Campbell

Let’s be clear: Naomi Campbell isn’t just a supermodel – she’sthesupermodel. Breaking barriers as the most successful Black model ever, she’s also famous for speaking out about industry inequality, dating Mike TysonandRobert De Niro (talk about range), and yes, having a somewhat complicated relationship with mobile phones. But when you’re this iconic, you can afford a few controversial moments.

Alicia Vikander

2015 was Alicia Vikander’s year. She played both a conscious robot and a supportive spouse in a groundbreaking trans story, walking away with an Oscar and Hollywood’s full attention. Now she’s doing backflips as Lara Croft – because apparently being an acclaimed dramatic actress wasn’t enough of a challenge.

Zoe Saldana

In a world where every celebrity seems to think they’re a political pundit, Zoe Saldana is refreshingly self-aware. She’s one of Hollywood’s most down-to-earth A-listers, which is pretty impressive for someone who spends most of her screen time playing aliens in blockbuster franchises.

Léa Seydoux

It took 24 Bond films to finally get a “Bond girl” who felt like a real person, and we have Léa Seydoux to thank for that. Though if you think her turn in “Spectre” was impressive, you really need to see “Blue Is The Warmest Colour” – that’s where the real magic happens.

Françoise Hardy

From ’60s ingénue to bohemian icon to astrology enthusiast, Françoise Hardy has never stopped evolving. The fact that she just released her 31st studio album tells you everything you need to know about staying power. They just don’t make them like this anymore.

Grace Kelly

When Jimmy Stewart says someone has “a soft, warm light” and that seeing them is “a holiday of its own,” you know they’re special. That’s Grace Kelly for you – even if you’ve only seen “Rear Window” or “Dial M For Murder,” you understand exactly what he meant. Some stars just shine brighter.

Anita Ekberg

Sometimes one role is all it takes to become immortal. For Anita Ekberg, it was Sylvia Rank in Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita.” The funny thing is, that dream role became a bit of a curse – afterward, everyone wanted her to play the same part: the American movie star in Italy. Talk about being typecast by perfection.

Jennifer Lopez

Want to know how influential J.Lo is? She literally changed the internet. That famous green Versace dress she wore to the 2000 Grammys? It caused so many searches that Google had to create Image Search just to handle the demand. That’s right – J.Lo didn’t just break the internet, she helped build it. Now that’s what I call making an impression.