Kate Upton snags People’s sexiest woman honor

Kate Upton is People magazine’s sexiest woman.

The magazine, which doles out superlative accolades for the sexiest man and most beautiful woman, gave the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model the lofty title at its inaugural People Magazine Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday.

“This is such an honor for me because sexy to me means someone who is confident and happy and that’s the person that I always strive to be,” the 22-year-old said as she accepted her trophy from McSteamy himself, “Grey’s Anatomy” Eric Dane.

Surely, those killer curves don’t hurt much either.

The viral “Cat Daddy” dancer, who was discovered at age 12, also apologized to her 18-year-old brother for the honor, but called out her boyfriend Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.

“Um, you’re welcome, Justin,” she quipped onstage with a wink.

It’s been a big year for Upton, who nabbed her third Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover (albeit the backside), contracts with Express and Bobbi Brown as well as a big screen turn in “The Other Woman” this year.

Incidentally, the model of the year title went to Victoria’s Secret Angel and Taylor Swift’s pal Karlie Kloss.

In November, the magazine gave “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth the sexiest man honor and in April, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o was named the magazine’s most beautiful woman of 2014.

The star-studded event was hosted by “America’s Got Talent” emcee Nick Cannon. The other winners -- selected by editors at People and sister publication Entertainment Weekly -- are listed below.

Movie Performance of the Year – Actress: Jennifer Aniston (“Cake”)

Movie Performance of the Year – Actor Michael Keaton (“Birdman”)

Breakout Star of the Year: Billy Eichner

Television Performance of the Year – Actor: Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”)

Television Performance of the Year – Actress: Lisa Kudrow (“The Comeback”)

Comedy Star of the Year: Kevin Hart

Role Model: Kate Hudson

On Screen TV Couple of the Year: “The Mindy Project” stars Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina

Model of the Year: Karlie Kloss

Triple Threat: Jennifer Lopez

Next Generation Star: Chloë Grace Moretz

Hero of the Year Award: Nora Sandigo

Style Icon recipient: Gwen Stefani

People’s Sexiest Woman: Kate Upton

Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.