It’s a Playgirl tradition that dates back to 1979: “what makes a man truly sexy?” we asked ourselves in years past. “Is it the way he walks, or talks or combs his hair? Is it the gleam in his eye or the tilt of his chin?… Looks count, but there are other more elusive qualities that define what makes a man ‘attractive.’” Paul Mescal is our 2024 winner (with the most votes from Playgirl editors and contributors). Nine sexiest men are then listed in alphabetical order.
Paul Mescal
Our sexiest man of 2024 is an Irish export with a background in theater, television and film. He showcases his leading man “it” factor in this year’s blockbuster Gladiator II. This talented young man is just beginning to shine and we’re here for every second of it.
Austin Butler
From his start as a teen star on Nickelodeon and CW shows to playing The King – Elvis, Austin is more than his chiseled good looks. His ability to morph into complex characters and hold his own against industry heavyweights such as Tom Hanks and Tom Hardy tells us he’s going places.
Even though he’s from Down Under, he has made a name for himself in Hollywood and beyond with his riveting portrayal of Nate Jacob, a problematic high school football star, in HBO’s Euphoria. His depiction of Elvis in Priscilla and his sexually charged performance in Saltburn are proof that his star is on the rise.
Jacob Elordi • Photo: Home Box Office Album, Alamy.
Mark Eydelshteyn
This Russian phenom is gaining traction in Tinsel Town due to his stellar performances in The Land of Sasha and Anora. Dubbed the Russian Timothée Chalamet, this brilliant young talent is charming everyone with his youthful energy and his infectious smile. Did you know he did his audition tape for Anora… naked? “I realized I didn’t have any expensive clothes,” he said.
Mark Eydelstein in ‘Anora’ • Photo courtesy NEON
Maluma
Colombia is known for its world class coffee, gorgeous landscapes and top-selling Reggaeton artists. Maluma is setting the world ablaze with his unique fusion of Reggaeton, Latin Trap and Pop music. He’s graced the world with six chart-topping studio albums… and our March cover.
Maluma • Photo: Danielle Levitt.
Josh O’ Connor
England has produced some of the world’s most talented and celebrated actors. Josh is following in his countrymen’s footsteps with powerful portrayals in the independent film God’s Own Country, as Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown and in the hottest flick of the year, Challengers.
Josh O’Connor in ‘Challengers’ • © Metro Goldwyn Meyer.
Glen Powell
He is a throwback to the Hollywood’s iconic leading men with his dashing good looks and brooding masculinity. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, you can hear and see his cowboy roots in just about every role he’s played and every blockbuster he contributed to: Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man, Twisters…
Glen Powell in ‘Hit Man’ • Photo: Netflix.
Manu Rios
Manu is a Spanish export with his sights set on television (La edad de la ira) and film (Almodovar’s Strange Way of Life). He is best known for his role as Patrick in the Netflix show Elite (seasons 4-6) centering around a prestigious high school and the drama that exists both on campus and off.
Manu Rios • Photo: Geisler Fotopress Gmbh, Alamy.
Denzel Washington
The first African American man to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine in 1996, Denzel is our oldest nominee, but he hasn’t lost any momentum nor any of his sexiness. He has won all of the most prominent awards including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, a Tony Award and nominations for Emmy and Grammy awards.
Denzel Washington in ‘Gladiator 2’ • Photo: Aidan Monaghan, Paramount.
Jeremy Allen White
With his boy from the block good looks and his ability to transform himself into iconic characters such as Philip “Lip” Gallagher in Shameless and Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto from the award-winning show Bear, Jeremy is a heartthrob with chutzpah. Get ready to watch him portray Bruce Springsteen in his upcoming biopic.
