Sexiest Woman Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has been named the Sexiest Woman Alive.

The Oscar-winning 'Monster' actress was given the annual honour by Esquire magazine, snatching the crown from last year's winner Scarlett Johansson.

Esquire's articles editor Ryan D'Agostino explained: "Charlize combines unbelievable beauty with a smart mind and this attitude like she's almost one of the guys. All of that adds up to sexy."

D'Agostino insisted the winner, which is selected by the magazine's editors, writers and contributors, "must exude individuality" and be current to pop culture.

Charlize, who celebrated the accolade by posing for a steamy photo shoot in the magazine, admits her looks have not always helped her make good career choices.

The 32-year-old star said: "'Reindeer Games' - that was a bad, bad, bad movie. But even though the movie might suck, I got to work with John Frankenheimer. I wasn't lying to myself - that's why I did it. I mean, he directed 'The Manchurian Candidate,' which is like the movie of all movies."

Charlize, who was born in South Africa and recently earned dual citizenship in the US, also voiced her concerns about US President George W. Bush.

She said: "I grew up in a country that learned the lesson that you can't impose your way of life on 26 different kinds of people just because you call yourself righteous.

"I think there are lessons this country still has to learn."

Charlize - who loves to drink, smoke and curse and is in a long-term relationship with actor Stuart Townsend - will next appear in 'Battle in Seattle' alongside Ray Liotta and Woody Harrelson.

Previous winners of Esquire's accolade include Jessica Biel and Angelina Jolie.