Who was named Sexiest Man Alive in 2023
In 2023, People magazine named actor and producer Simu Liu as its Sexiest Man Alive. The annual title, introduced in 1985, highlights a public figure in a way that emphasizes cultural relevance, visibility, and positive influence rather than a strict checklist of traits. As a long-form evergreen explainer, this profile outlines who won, how the selection is structured, and how the title fits into the broader list’s history.
About the Sexiest Man Alive list
Origin and intent
People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue is a global pop culture staple that pairs celebrity profile with storytelling. The list was created to spotlight individuals who demonstrate influence across entertainment, culture, and social impact. It aims to reflect evolving standards of appeal, including charisma, advocacy, and authenticity, rather than focusing solely on conventional attractiveness.
Selection process
Choices are shaped by People’s editorial team, with input from culture and lifestyle experts, and are influenced by a combination of narrative relevance, timing, and the subject’s footprint in media and social conversation. The announcement is typically accompanied by a cover shoot and in-depth profile designed to provide context beyond the headline. While the exact internal criteria are not formally disclosed, the list consistently favors figures who are in the public conversation for substantive reasons beyond a single project.
2023 honoree profile: Simu Liu
Simu Liu, best known for playing Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was honored with the 2023 title. By the time of the announcement, he had established a visible career arc from actor to advocate, with notable work in storytelling, equity, and mental health awareness. His profile at the time of the list highlighted his transition from financial analyst to global icon, his viral visibility online, and his efforts to broaden representation in Hollywood.
Career context at the time of the title
In the lead-up to the 2023 issue, Liu had recently released major work within the superhero genre and was engaged in conversations about identity, inclusion, and the changing face of movie stardom. His presence on social platforms allowed readers to engage with his narrative directly, strengthening the cultural resonance that many editors cited in the decision.
Context within the list’s history
Since its start in 1985, the Sexiest Man Alive list has featured a wide range of actors, musicians, athletes, and public figures. Certain patterns are evident over time: honorees often have recent visibility, clear cultural impact, and a narrative that extends beyond a single role. The 2023 selection aligned with this pattern, emphasizing not only physical appeal, but also a broader influence on conversation and representation.
Why annual lists matter in culture
Lists like this focus attention on how society defines role models and attractiveness at a given moment. People’s long-form profiles accompanying the title aim to provide informative context about the honoree’s work and values, contributing to a more substantive conversation than a simple ranking might.
Quick reference
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 titleholder | Simu Liu | People announcement and issue |
| List debut year | 1985 | People archive records |
| Profession at selection | Actor, producer, advocate | Public biography and media profiles |
| Major project around title | Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | Box office and press records |
| Selection body | People editorial team with expert input | Editorial methodology statements |
Broader meaning of the title today
The term Sexiest Man Alive has become shorthand for a blend of attractiveness, influence, and relatability. In recent years, the list has often highlighted figures who use their visibility for advocacy, indicating an evolution of what readers and editors expect from the concept. Coverage typically includes direct storytelling about mental health, representation, and social impact, reflecting broader shifts in what audiences consider inspiring.
Comparison with prior selections (qualitative)
- Focus on cultural contribution beyond entertainment: present trend
- Emphasis on mental health and advocacy: increasingly visible
- Long-form narrative features: consistent since early 2000s
- Global rather than only U.S. appeal: growing in recent years
Final context
Being named Sexiest Man Alive remains a career milestone that combines visibility with responsibility. For the 2023 honoree, Simu Liu, the title reinforced an existing trajectory of representation and impact. The list continues to serve as a snapshot of how attractiveness, story, and social influence converge in the public eye, making it an enduring topic for audience interest.