Ah, the annual celebration of jawlines and charisma! PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Awards have come around once again, naming Patrick Dempsey as the winner of 2023.
Since its inception, PEOPLE magazine has been bestowing the prestigious title upon a lucky (and undeniably attractive) individual who manages to capture hearts and turn heads. It’s not just about chiselled abs and smouldering gazes; it’s about that special something that makes the world collectively swoon.
How do they choose the winner of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive?
The editor explained that the general public playsa large role in the decision, with PEOPLE taking note of reactions and comments on celebrity coverage throughout the year.
Julie also revealed that they ask female celebrities who their vote would be and “consult focus groups, which inform discussions among higher-ups in the magazine.” Editorial staff is also asked to give their input.
Dan Wakeford, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine between 2019 and 2022 also revealed that good looks are not the only judging criteria, using the example of Michael B. Jordan who won the title in 2020 and whose activism in the Black Lives Matter movement played a large role in him being chosen.
Can you win PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive title more than once?
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Who was the sexiest man alive every year?
So, who are the illustrious gentlemen who have clinched the title of the Sexiest Man Alive over the years? From the early heartthrobs to the recent heart-stealers, WHO are taking a stroll down the red carpet of charm and handsomeness.
1985: Mel Gibson
1986: Mark Harmon
1987: Harry Hamlin
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1988: John F. Kennedy Jr.
1989: Sean Connery
1990: Tom Cruise
1991: Patrick Swayze
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1992: Nick Nolte
1993: Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford
People magazine changed it up in 1993 and awarded a “sexiest couple alive” rather than “sexiest man alive.”
1994: Keanu Reeves
People magazine originally did not choose a “sexiest man alive” in 2004. However, the magazine awarded the honour to Keanu Reeves in 2015
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1995: Brad Pitt
1996: Denzel Washington
1997: George Clooney
1998: Harrison Ford
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1999: Richard Gere
2000: Brad Pitt
2001: Pierce Brosnan
2002: Ben Affleck
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2003: Johnny Depp
2004: Jude Law
2005: Matthew McConaughey
2006: George Clooney
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2007: Matt Damon
2008: Hugh Jackman
2009: Johnny Depp
2010: Ryan Reynolds
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2011: Bradley Cooper
2012: Channing Tatum
2013: Adam Levine
2014: Chris Hemsworth
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2015: David Beckham
2016: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
2017: Blake Shelton
2018: Idris Elba
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2019: John Legend
2020: Michael B. Jordan
2021: Paul Rudd
2022: Chris Evans
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2023: Patrick Dempsey
Madison Scott is the Digital Editor for WHO Magazine, writing Entertainment and Lifestyle content while also curating the publication's social media accounts. With a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University (English Literature/Public Relations & Social Media), Madi enjoys telling people in great detail about all the books she reads, staying up-to-date on celebrity nonsense and obsessing over the latest niche TikTok trends. If she’s not scrolling aimlessly on Pinterest, she’s probably fine-tuning her endlessly long fashion wish list, daydreaming about her next travel destination or re-watching a Nora Ephron classic.