Lupita Nyong'o named most beautiful by People magazine

This is turning out to be quite the year for actress Lupita Nyong'o. Not only did she win an Oscar, but the 31-year-old star has just been named "Most Beautiful" by People magazine.

"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," said Nyong'o, who graces the magazine's cover. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen."

She told People the best compliments come "when I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on. And also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress. Happiness is the most important thing."

Nyong'o, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, received the best supporting actress Oscar in March for her portrayal of Patsey in Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave." It marked the Yale University School of Drama graduate's first major film role.

She recently became a spokesperson for Lancome Paris, and in February hit the big screen in "Non-Stop" with Liam Neeson.

People's new issue hits newsstands on Friday.