Cast member Bradley Cooper poses at the premiere of "The Hangover Part II" at Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California in this May 19, 2011 file photograph. Cooper was named Peope Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 2011 in an announcement from the magazine on November 16, 2011.MARIO ANZUONI
Sorry, Ryan. In a year dominated by Gosling memes and odes to his puppy dog eyes, it's Bradley Cooper, of The Hangover and The Wedding Crashers fame - who is People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
Didn't see that one coming.
Despite the throngs of Gosling fans feeling personally snubbed, People says there's more to Mr. Cooper "than dazzling baby blues and a killer smile."
"This Georgetown grad can whip up dinner, take you for a spin on his motorcycle and whisper sweet nothings in French (he's fluent!)," says the celebrity rag.
It also credits the actor's stud status on his tight relationship with his mother. (Mr. Cooper's first thought after finding out he won? 'My mother is going to be so happy.')
In 2010 the honours went to Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds who, in addition to an abundance of spandex ensembles in The Green Lantern, is best known for being the funny guy.
To address the funny v. sexy debate, this year People started a Funny is the New Sexy Facebook page where the likes of Joel McHale, Kevin Hart, Seth MacFarlane and Ty Burrell are celebrated for passing out the laughs, despite their shortcomings in the "dazzling baby blue" front.
Johnny Depp got the title in 2009 and 2003, elevating him to the elite club of two-time winners - joined by dreamboats Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
2009 marked the year where owning a private Bahamian island and having two kids (a family man!) qualified Mr. Depp, "as smouldering as his favourite Cuban cigars."
Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon and George Clooney have also received 'sexiest' honour.
Mr. Clooney, who also won the title nine years earlier, was bestowed a swooning commentary from People: "Clooney remains approachable and humble even while at the top of Hollywood's A list." Approachable and humble maybe in 2006, today he remains Hollywood's silver playboy.
Incidentally, that's pretty similar to Mr. Cooper's characters, minus the silver part, of course.
So is it swagger, humour or dreamy blue eyes: How do you define sexy?