Laverne Cox Named 'New Face of the Year' by Pop Culture Website

The Orange Is The New Black beauty is the first trans woman to be named Popsugar's 'New Face of the Year.'

Dawn Ennis

The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.

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Dawn Ennis

January 04 2015 10:00 AM EST

December 22 2015 9:56 PM EST

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The year ended with yet one more honor for actress and activist Laverne Cox. The website POPSUGAR chose Cox as its New Face for 2014.

The annual beauty awards, described on its website as not "based on appearance alone," also honored Tyra Banks, "a model who helps teen girls embrace body image," Jared Leto, "an Oscar-winning male with luscious locks" and Cox, "a transgender actress who's breaking industry standards."

Cox is the first transgender woman chosen for this or any honor by POPSUGAR. Jessica Cruel wrote this about Cox onPOPSUGAR: "With her breakout role on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, Cox has broken the Hollywood beauty mold this year as a transgender actress.

In 2014 she covered Time magazine and has been nominated for several awards. Not only do we think this is the beginning of a fruitful career for Cox, but she's also changing our society's standard for what it means to be beautiful."

Past winners in this category include Lily Collins and Elizabeth Olsen. Other beautiful stars and celebrities named by POPSUGAR include Cate Blanchett for Most Radiant Skin, Amal Clooney for Best Smile, and Lupita Nyongo was named Red Carpet Winner for her stunning looks from awards shows to Fashion Week. Gwyneth Paltrow was chosen for the Beauty Icon Award, Gwen Stefani for Best Retro Look, and Rihanna credited for her influential beauty with the Trendsetter Award.