Jessica Simpson Awarded for Exploring Real Beauty

Simpson at the 35th Annual Gracie Award Gala in L.A. where she received the Dove Real Beauty Award 

Only six months in, 2010 has already been a big year for Jessica Simpson. The singer/actress has responded to years of media criticism and scrutiny by questioning who and what truly defines beauty. And on May 25^th, The Alliance for Women in Media and Dove®, the global beauty brand, acknowledged her efforts, awarding Jessica Simpson the 2010 Dove Real Beauty Award.

Every year, the Dove Real Beauty Award honors the woman who best embodies and expresses the “substance and spirit” of real beauty through her life and career. Previous recipients include actress/comedienne Amy Poehler and journalist/TV host Lisa Ling.

As an entertainer and businesswoman who’s been in the spotlight for more than 10 years, Simpson has experienced unparalleled media scrutiny of her body, weight and intelligence. But in response, the singer has applied her own experiences to inspire and encourage women everywhere to believe in themselves.

This year, she’s publically challenged the industry’s beauty expectations with her Marie Claire cover—in which she appeared without makeup or any photo retouching—and through her recent VH1 television series, "The Price of Beauty"—in which she traveled the world to uncover women’s relationships with beauty—and most recently, through her initiative, "A Beautiful Me" (in partnership with Operation Smile), which encourages youth to believe in themselves and take action to change the world.

In these ways, Simpson demonstrates ways to face criticism with grace, courage and confidence. Dove has similarly been committed to building positive self-esteem and body image in women and the company strives to inspire women to reach their full potential by caring for themselves and each other.

So what do you think? Is Jessica Simpson a worthy recipient of this award? Who else do you think has made noteworthy efforts to further inner-beauty, self-confidence and positive body image?