Any One of These Black Actors Should Be PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2026
Noah Wyle was just named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026, and while we’re sure he’s a nice man and all—we have a few questions. Because somewhere between Sterling K. Brown’s smile, Mahershala Ali’s swagger, and Aaron Pierre’s mere existence, it seems like folks have overlooked some very important (and very sexy) candidates. We know the fine Black men of Hollywood aren’t in short supply, and that’s why we rounded up our list of guys who are more than deserving of the honor.
Keep reading to see our picks!
Sterling K. Brown
Anyone who’s ever met Sterling K. Brown is quick to heap praise on his good looks, charm and infectious personality. Plus, he’s a great husband to his wife, Ryan, and a fantastic father to his kids. What’s not clicking here?
Related: These Are the New Hollywood Heartthrobs We Can’t Get Enough Of
Morris Chestnut
It feels like we’ve been campaigning for Morris Chestnut to be PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive since he appeared as Lance Sullivan in “The Best Man” back in the ’90s. But now that he’s portrayed a sexy doctor on “Watson” and a fine attorney on “Reasonable Doubt,” it looks like we’re gonna have to up our efforts because it’s time he gets the recognition he deserves!
Tank
Singer Tank may be playing a bad guy on this season of “Reasonable Doubt,” but his vocals have been making women everywhere fall in love with him since he dropped “Force of Nature” in the early 2000s. And we can’t blame them because he’s some serious eye candy!
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has had one helluva year between “Wonder Man,” “Man on Fire” and “By Any Means.” Plus, he’s got such a handsome face and impeccable physique. Why has he not graced the cover in all this time?!
Mahershala Ali
We’ve loved Mahershala Ali forever, but it was something about him kicking ass and taking names in “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” this fall that made our hearts skip a beat. Also, do you see his smirk? The man’s face card is insane. He definitely fits the bill for sexiest man.
Aaron Pierre
Y’all already know Aaron Pierre was gonna make this list. The ladies went absolutely wild when he did his Spirit Tunnel walk on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and they’re still going crazy now that he’s gone green in “Lanterns.” He honestly feels like a no-brainer pick, so what gives?
Cornell Young IV
New “A Different World” star Cornell Young IV has been all over our timelines ever since the show dropped in September. And with the way the ladies are reacting every time a new picture or video of him drops, it looks like he’s here to stay and more than ready to claim his spot as the sexiest man. Just look at those eyes! His hair! His aura! He’s got the whole package.
Aldis Hodge
The way Aldis Hodge has breathed new life and smoothness into Alex Cross on “Cross” should be studied. And the way he seems to make women everywhere break into a serious sweat anytime he posts a gym pic or red carpet picture is the reason why he deserves to be on this list!
LaRoyce Hawkins
“Chicago P.D.” fans may have said goodbye to Officer Kevin Atwater earlier this month, but we’re never gonna say goodbye to fine LaRoyce Hawkins. In fact, we need to see him back on our screens ASAP! But we’ll settle for making him the sexiest man list.
Regé-Jean Page
We don’t know about you, but seeing Regé-Jean Page be all cutesy in “You, Me, & Tuscany” earlier this year made our hearts skip a beat. Just take one look at him, and you’ll see why! It makes no sense that he hasn’t been named the sexiest!
Method Man
WELL DUH! WE’RE NOT EVEN GONNA SPEND TIME EXPLAINING THIS ONE. WE KNOW YOU SEE METHOD MAN IN ALL HIS GLORY.
Shamier Anderson
Shamier Anderson is one of those men who shifts the energy in the room when he arrives – and that’s not just because he has insane swag and stellar looks. He carries himself in a way that some men could take some notes from, and we truly love to see it!
Trevante Rhodes
Trevante Rhodes may be a recluse, but that doesn’t mean his good looks should be overlooked! This year marks the 10th anniversary of “Moonlight,” the movie that put him on the map. His performance and his blindingly white smile should be enough to keep him on this list for another 10 years straight!
