The time has come for PETA to crown the Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities of 2018, and this year’s titles are going to two of the most prominent vegan role models in Hollywood: filmmaker Ava DuVernay and actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
“Ava DuVernay and Benedict Cumberbatch are saving animals not only by going vegan but also by sharing their commitment with the world,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “The vegan powerhouses behind Selma and Doctor Strange, respectfully, beautifully show what it means to be a compassionate star in 2018.”
DuVernay, the barrier-breaking filmmaker behind 13th and A Wrinkle in Time, has pointed out on Twitter that going vegan is a social justice issue — and as the Oscar-nominated director told The Hollywood Reporter, “My mom always said to treat others like you like to be treated. … [E]veryone wants to be … respected and treated in a loving way.”
Meanwhile, the Emmy Award–winning Cumberbatch took every opportunity to praise his new vegan lifestyle during his press tour for Avengers: Infinity War — and when Time Out London asked how he got in shape for the role, he was quick to respond, “I eat a plant-based diet.”
Other top contenders this year included chart-topping musicians Swizz Beatz, Jason Derulo, Ne-Yo, and will.i.am as well as actors Zac Efron and Ellen Pompeo.
Past winners of PETA’s annual award — which previously recognized the “Sexiest Vegan Celebrities” — include Jhené Aiko, André 3000, Russell Brand, Jessica Chastain, Miley Cyrus, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Liam Hemsworth, Jared Leto, Leona Lewis, Tobey Maguire, Elliot Page, Natalie Portman, Maggie Q, Ruby Rose, Alicia Silverstone, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Kristen Wiig.
