The definitive list of Australia’s most influential, successful, powerful, newsworthy, talented and beautiful women this year, starring Margot Robbie, the Matildas, Delta Goodrem, Kylie Minogue, Sophie Monk, Penny Wong and heaps more…
By SANTI PINTADO & REILLY SULLIVAN
Women. Influential women, empowering women, movie women, talented women, sports star women, impressive women, political women, amazing women, model women, funny women, commercial women, beautiful women, pop star women, artistic women, reality TV women, newsworthy women, incredible women, wonderful women, soap star women, brilliant women, extraordinary women, TV presenter women, fitspo women, awesome women, cool women, gutsy women, Australian women – HOT women.
Yes, welcome to the 2023 Ultra Tune MAXIM HOT 100 – our annual, eclectic and definitive list of Australian women who have impressed, made headlines or simply had a huge year. The past 12 months saw an abundance of fine and fierce femmes who have wowed us with their aptitude, intellect, humour, attributes and overall incredible talents.
None more so than this year’s winner, Margot Robbie, whose Hollywood star is almost reaching iconic status, and as a producer, as she has become one of the most powerful women in entertainment.
Add endorsements, ambassador roles, beauty, brains and Barbie to the mix and she’s definitely the complete package. This also marks Margot’s fourth time topping this list, and the second consecutive year doing so – the first woman to go back-to-back!
However, she’s not the only amazing Aussie in our HOT 100 – there’s many, many more. So, sit back and enjoy this super-sizzling special edition of MAXIM Australia.
Cheers,
Santi Pintado
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Margot Robbie
Margot is well-accustomed to topping this list and this year marks her fourth appearance at the summit and second consecutive year on the trot at numero uno. Each year, we congratulate Robbie on her Hollywood success, her beauty, both inside and out, and her increasingly influential role in getting quality projects made through her growing LuckyChap Entertainment production company. Sure, in 2023 she did a couple of quality films in Babylon and Asteroid City, but – and not that anyone needs reminding – in 2023 Margot immortalised herself as Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s mega-smash movie about the iconic doll, which is now officially the highest grossing film of the year. The role has cemented Margot as a true cinematic icon and created that rare movie magic we thought we’d lost forever in the age of streaming. With her boundless talent, unwavering humility and captivating charm, Margot Robbie remains the undisputed Queen of Hollywood and, once again, the Ultra Tune MAXIM HOT 100 No.1. Long may she reign!
Sam Kerr
In many ways, 2023 belonged to Sam Kerr. First up this year, the superstar was enshrined into video game history after scoring the cover of FIFA 23 alongside PSG star Kylian Mbappé. The highest paid Australian female football star ever, Sammy is the first woman to ever appear on a global video game cover for the massively popular FIFA series. Then, in May, she helped her UK club Chelsea secure a fourth consecutive Women’s Super League title and was also crowned the football writers’ Women’s Player of the Year. Of course, at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July/August, Sam was the highest profile and closely-watched player in the world. Even while she was ultimately sidelined for much of the tournament due to a calf injury, Kerr stoically captained the Matilda’s from the sidelines. When she finally did make her debut, during the 55th minute of the showdown against France, the roar inside Suncorp Stadium was truly electric. And, although her and the Matildas didn’t make it to the big dance (see: final), her stunning strike in the 63rd minute of the semi-final against England, to tie the score at 1-1, was hands down the goal of the tournament. It’s no surprise that Sammy made the short list for the prestigious Ballon d’Or for the fourth time (she’s been nominated every year since the award was first introduced in 2019) and at the time of writing looked set to win it.
Delta Goodrem
Delta remains Australia’s pre-eminent songstress and in 2023 she played to sell-out shows across Australia to mark the 20th anniversary of her iconic debut album Innocent Eyes. The “Born To Try” Pop Princess also reminded the world that she can still act, too, starring in the well-received rom-com movie Love is in the Air. Playing a seaplane pilot who juggles her work and personal life while falling in love with her co-star Joshua Sasse’s character, the “cutesy” film rocketed up the streaming charts for Netflix. In her real love life, Delta became engaged to longtime love Mathew Copley after he popped the question on vacation in Malta. Congratulations, D!
Sophie Monk
Soph continues to be one of the hardest working people in the Aussie entertainment biz, balancing her hosting gigs (see: Love Island) while also appearing as a panellist on The Hundred with Andy Lee and the odd guest appearances on shows like LEGO Masters. An all-round MAXIM legend (and former Ultra Tune MAXIM HOT 100 winner), the Monkster recently signed on as an ambassador for wine company Yellow Tail, proving once again she can – and will – spruik just about anything.
G Flip
The rise and rise of Melbourne music sensation G Flip (real name Georgia Claire Flipo) has seen the mega-talent have a cracker 2023. Topping the ARIA charts with their aptly titled second studio album, Drummer, they also scored six nominations at this year’s ARIA Awards and embarked on their biggest tour yet, performing sold out shows across the country. What’s more, in May, they also married their longtime love, Chrishell Stause. Congrats for it all, G!
Jessica Mauboy
Ms Mauboy has wrapped up another massive year in a swivel chair judging on The Voice and is back to recording her upcoming fifth album Yours Forever. To tease the new record, Jess dropped a major collab with fellow superstar (and Voice judge) Jason Derulo called “Give You Love”. She’s also gearing up for a mammoth three-month national tour next year coming to a city near you. Count us in, Jess!
Kaylee McKeown
If you thought Ms Titmus’ efforts are golden, there’s more! Team Australia’s epic performance at the World Aquatics Championships in Japan was powered by the unstoppable Kaylee McKeown. The superstar took the championship by storm, breaking records and dominating the competition after securing backstroke golds over 50, 100m and 200m – making history as the first woman to achieve this feat! And that’s not all; she also grabbed two silvers in the Mixed and Women’s 4x100m medley relays. With such incredible stats, it’s no surprise Kaylee rightfully received the title of Female Swimmer of the Year.
Ariarne Titmus
When swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus smashed the world record for the fastest woman to swim the 400-metre freestyle in Japan earlier this year, she not only broke American Katie Ledecky’s old record but offered a glimpse into what’s possible when she hits the pool next year at the Paris Olympics. Still just 23 years old, the four-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist is already a legend.
Abbie Chatfield
The former Bachelor contestant turned media multi-hyphenate never slows down on her impressive career. After saying goodbye to her radio show and clothing line, she went all-in and concentrated on her It’s A Lot podcast, hosting duties for FBoy Island on Binge and her judging gig on The Masked Singer. She’s also increasingly used her platform to advocate on political issues and kept her legion of followers engaged on the real issues without being too lecture-y. We love your style, Abbie!
Evelyn Ellis
As an intruder on season 10 of Married At First Sight, former marketing manager Evelyn was easily the breakout star. So much so, she made her presenting debut on their long-running travel show Getaway. The gorgeous Ms Ellis also stunned many with her first-ever MAXIM cover in May while living out something of a reality TV fairytale with her MAFS co-star and now live-in partner Duncan James. Smart, witty, beautiful and a social media star, EE has amassed almost half a million IG followers and counting, and there’s no doubt that 2024 holds even bigger things in store!
For the full article grab the November 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
