Penelope Cruz proves being Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive not all about boobs and butt
Forget the old-fashioned superficial benchmark for "sexiness".
Penelope Cruz, named Esquire magazine's Sexiest Woman Alive this year,proved that boobs and butt are not all there is to the equation.
To quote a certain Mr Timberlake, the Spanish starlet is bringing - real - sexy back.
At 40, she is only the second title-holder in her 40s after American actress Halle Berry.
Berry is the oldest to have bagged the title in 2008, at 42.
Previous younger winners include two-time winner Scarlett Johansson, actresses Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, and singer Rihanna.
Yet Cruz easily gives her younger counterparts a run for their money. Despite boasting an enviable hourglass figure and alleged vital statistics of 34-27-35 with C-cup breasts, the Spanish actress has never been all about statistics.
She makes no secret of eating five full meals a day. On her lack of obsession with her physical appearance, she told Porter Magazine last year: "When I'm having my hair and make-up done for a movie or a photo shoot, I never look in the mirror.
"I just set up my office there…my script, my notes, my BlackBerry, and I focus on those things.
"I always have things I have to catch up on, especially now I have children to keep me busy."
Picking Cruz for the title may come as a surprise to some, especially since she has been shying away from the limelight since embracing motherhood.
Apart from recent works which include upcoming movies Ma Ma and Grimsby, Cruz has been devoting her time to her children.
Cruz married her Spanish actor-husband Javier Bardem in 2010. They have a son Leonardo, three, and a daughter Luna, one.
PRIVATE
What is surprising is how little the world knows about her private life.
We are privy to the salacious details surrounding 2011 winner Rihanna's rather tumultuous love life. Kunis, who won in 2012, keeps making headlines with her husband and daughter.
But Cruz? She is almost tyrannical when it comes to keeping a tight lid on all her personal affairs.
Even Esquire failed to wrangle much out of her for the cover story of their November issue.
She declined to comment when asked about her husband."That is for us," she replied.
When asked about being a mother, she would say only that her family means everything to her and they are the reason she has kept a low profile in recent times.
She refused to even talk about her new movies. It is slightly off-putting.
But there's also something about her mysterious charm that is very alluring.
This Sexiest Woman Alive is doing everything on her own terms, yet she has the world wrapped around her little finger.
Some Hollywood A-listers could do with taking a leaf out of Cruz's book.
Sexy in their 40s
1. SOFIA VERGARA, 42
This Colombian actress and Modern Family star is funny and charming, and a natural beauty.
2. KATE BECKINSALE, 41
She made the Sexiest Woman Alive list in 2009 and it is no surprise.
This English actress looks chic without even trying.
3. GWEN STEFANI, 45
Her unique and edgy style makes her a favourite in our books.
The No Doubt frontwoman and coach on The Voice also has three children.
She is that cool chick every mum wants to be.
4. SALMA HAYEK, 48
Like Penelope Cruz, there is an air of mystery about this Mexican-born actress that makes her oh-so-sexy.
5. HEIDI KLUM, 41
Even after all these years, the mother-of-four retains her supermodel status - and amazing figure - all while juggling her roles, which include Project Runway host and businesswoman.
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