Victoria’s Secret Angel takes top prize, Scarlett Johansson comes in second

May 24, 2014 07:12 GMT  ·  By
One of the highest rated models of 2013, Candice Swanepoel, is Maxim’s hottest for 2014
   One of the highest rated models of 2013, Candice Swanepoel, is Maxim’s hottest for 2014

Maxim has released its annual Hot 100 list, offering the virtual crown of the most beautiful woman in the world to an Angel from Victoria’s Secret, Candice Swanepoel. The 25-year-old South African model is followed closely by actress Scarlett Johansson.

Ironically, for some years now, Scarlett has been saying that she wants people to stop fussing about her looks and seemingly flawless figure because that was in the detriment of her accomplishments as an actress and even as a humanitarian. Landing on the second spot on Maxim’s Hot 100 will probably not do for her.

However, as far as Candice is concerned, this distinction can only further serve her in her career. The Angel, who got to wear the famous VS Fantasy Bra in last year’s VS show, is also one of the highest paid models of last year.

“Candice Swanepoel is the ideal embodiment of the new Maxim brand: stunning, sophisticated, elegant,” says Maxim’s Creative Director Paul Martinez for Yahoo.

“It's not only her flawless beauty and effortless grace that have garnered her the coveted 2014 Hot 100 Number 1 placement, but also her business acumen. She has risen to become one of the world's top supermodels and has transcended the accolade to become a global brand. It's hard to imagine a woman more perfect,” Martinez continues.

A simple Google image search reveals that, indeed, at least physically, Candice is the closest thing to perfection by modeling standards – and not only. Maxim though takes the time to praise her for her business skills as well.

The rest of the top 10 includes singer Katy Perry, again a celebrity who gets fans raving about her good looks and stunning figure, and model Irina Shayk, the exotic beauty who stole Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart.

“The Hunger Games” Oscar-winning actress (and currently America’s number one sweetheart) Jennifer Lawrence is at number 5, followed by actress Zooey Deschanel. Fans who know how upset Zooey used to get whenever someone mistook her for Katy Perry must appreciate the irony in the fact that they’re so close to each other in the top 10.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio, actresses Jessica Alba and Mila Kunis, and “it model” of the year Cara Delevingne round up the top 10.

Notably absent here is a black woman, as various voices online were quick to point out: Lupita Nyong’o, the big surprise from Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed “12 Years a Slave” and the hottest actress on the awards circuit this year, didn’t make the cut in the top 10.

Barbadian singer and overall hottie Rihanna missed the top 10 by a hair, landing in at number 11. Beyonce made it to 21.

The full list is available at the Maxim website.