Why Olivia Wilde regrets part of her ‘hottest woman’ honour?

Olivia Wilde reveals dark side of being named most beautiful

By Maryam Nadeem Published June 18, 2026 at 10:06 AM GMT+5 Updated 4 hours ago
Why Olivia Wilde regrets part of her ‘hottest woman’ honour?
Why Olivia Wilde regrets part of her ‘hottest woman’ honour?

Olivia Wilde has admitted she has very mixed feelings about being crowned the world’s most beautiful woman after landing the top spot on Maxim’s famous Hot 100 list.

The 42-year-old actress has revealed that while the honour gave her confidence and opened doors in Hollywood, she now sees the whole concept as deeply flawed.

Speaking on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast, Olivia looked back on being named Number One in 2009 and confessed she felt torn when she received the news.

She explained that part of her was shocked and even flattered because she had never seen herself as someone who fit traditional beauty standards. 

Growing up, she often felt awkward and out of place, so being suddenly celebrated as the world’s hottest woman felt surreal.

But the House actress also questioned what the title really meant.

Olivia said it made her uncomfortable that a woman’s worth could be tied so heavily to changing and subjective ideas of beauty. 

Despite calling the ranking “the most f***** up thing in the world”, she acknowledged it had a huge impact on her career.

The Hollywood star admitted the recognition led to more auditions, more casting opportunities and ultimately more acting roles. 

Looking back, Tron: Legacy actress believes there is a responsibility that comes with participating in an industry that often places so much emphasis on appearance.

These days, however, Olivia says she has found greater fulfilment behind the camera.

The actress, who made her directorial debut with the hit teen comedy Booksmart in 2019, described directing as a “liberating” experience. 

Unlike acting, where performers rely on others to choose them, directing gave her complete creative control.

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