Ryan Reynolds, newly minted as the sexiest male on planet Earth. (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

The media is abuzz; the blogosphere is blotto. The excitement can even be felt on the streets, where total strangers are exchanging hugs, fist-bumps and in some cases, exuberant chest-bumps. (There have only been minor injuries thus far.) I don't think I've seen Canadians this euphoric since Tim Hortons started selling bagels.

What is the cause of all this jubilation? Is it Kate and William's nuptials? Folks, that was yesterday. Today's news is that People magazine has named Ryan Reynolds -- our Ryan Reynolds -- the sexiest man alive.

The Vancouver-born actor, most recently seen in the claustrophobic thriller Buried, first came to our attention in the sitcom Two Girls and a Guy, which proved to be a great showcase for his comic elan. Since then, he's become a bankable box-office star (Definitely Maybe, The Proposal) who devotes an ungodly amount of time to ab-sculpting.

Today also marks the release of the first full-length trailer for Reynolds' new movie, The Green Lantern. Is the release of this movie promo and the announcement of his sexy new status more than just a coincidence? Shame on you for even thinking that! That's not how Hollywood operates AT ALL.



The latest issue of People arrives on newsstands on Friday. It's worth noting that Reynolds' wife, Scarlett Johansson, appears on the cover of the most recent GQ, which named her Babe of the Year.

How can one household contain all that sexiness? It seems scientifically unpossible.

P.O.V: Is People's annual Sexiest Man Alive feature still relevant?