Kate Upton has won the 2013 Model of the Year Award. Considering the type of year she’s had, it’s not a surprise. From being the Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model to making a movie, she has had one busy year.
Sports Illustrated confirmed that Upton, 21, will be presented the award at the 10th Annual Style Awards on Wednesday in New York City. Nicole Richie is hosting the event and will present Upton with the honor.
According to Glamour, if you can’t make it to the Lincoln Center event, CNN is taping the show. The network will air it on Sept. 14.
Upton was on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue for the second straight year and proved that she looks good in much more than bikinis. In May, she appeared on the cover of Vogue for the first time.
In that interview, she admitted that modeling isn’t what she set out to do, but it has helped her gain fame. She’s so popular that she was cast in Three Stooges and the new comedy The Other Woman.
She has faced criticism for her body though, and told Vogue that she’s happy with the way she looks.
“The things that they’re rejecting are things that I can’t change,” she told Vogue. “I can’t change my bra size. They’re natural! I can work out and I can stay healthy and motivated, but I can’t change some things. I really just live my life. I love my body. It’s what God gave me! I feel confident with myself, and if that inspires other women to feel confident with their bodies, great.”
image: Sports Illustrated