Although 2015 isn't over just yet, the new year is approaching and it's time to reflect on all that's happened thus far. Seriously, so much has happened! In terms of pop culture, Amy Schumer totally changed the game. Sure, the funny lady's Comedy Central show Inside Amy Schumer premiered in 2013, but it wasn't until this year that it received the attention it deserves (including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Sketch Series). Tying into all this newfound recognition, the 34-year-old recently received a fitting title from People magazine. Amy Schumer landed the cover of People 's Most Intriguing People of 2015 issue and she's the perfect choice. Reflecting on the eventful year, she told the magazine that hosting Saturday Night Live was a "dream come true."
According to Merriam-Webster, the word "intriguing" means "engaging the interest to a marked degree" or "extremely interesting." It's also synonymous with "fascinating." And among the adjectives I'd use to describe Schumer — along with hilarious, amazing, and brilliant — fascinating belongs at the top of the list. She's constantly catching people's attention and inspiring them to rethink societal conventions. Whether through sketches on her TV show or posts on social media, the Trainwreck star challenges everything from beauty standards to gun laws. In my opinion, her comments are always on point and deserve to be shouted from a megaphone.
Here's a list of reasons that People magazine couldn't be more right: Schumer is hands-down one of the year's most intriguing individuals.
1. She Defied Rom-Com Standards
Have you seen Trainwreck? If not, please stop everything you're doing and watch it immediately. The movie — written by and starring Schumer — is everything a romantic comedy should be. It somehow manages to play into movie tropes (whirlwind romance, dramatic breakup, happy ending), while simultaneously shattering stereotypes (like having a strong female lead who prioritizes her sex life). Not only did the movie make me laugh a ridiculous amount, but I also shed a few tears. It's fantastic!
2. She Takes Body Positivity To Another Level
One of my favorite things about Schumer is her outspoken body positivity. Her recent photo shoot in the 2016 Pirelli Calendar was glorious, including its caption. She highlighted the wide range of contradictory names women are called on a regular basis: "Beautiful, gross, strong, thin, fat, pretty, ugly, sexy, disgusting, flawless, woman."
Plus on her show Inside Amy Schumer, she features sketches that take down unfair beauty standards. From "Girl, You Don't Need Makeup" to "New Body," Schumer's material makes a strong and empowering statement.
3. She Has No Filter (In The Best Way Possible)
Who would thank their makeup artist when receiving an Emmy award? Schumer, that's who. She wasn't going to pretend she woke up glamorous overnight. Whether it's the behind-the-scenes look at her life that she shares on Instagram or the lack of filter in her comedy, there's no BS with Schumer — and that's awesome. She doesn't pretend to be someone she's not.
4. She Doesn't Shy Away From Taboo Topics
In the wake of more than 40 women coming forward with sexual abuse allegations against Bill Cosby, Schumer devoted an entire sketch to a faux Cosby trial. As she said in GQ, "I guess I do hope people see it who are vilifying the women coming forward just so they can enjoy The Cosby Show still." Unlike others in the media, Schumer didn't brush these accusations under the rug.
Another topic she's not afraid to tackle? Reproductive health. Schumer created a sketch about the hurdles women seemingly have to jump through when it comes to birth control and health care.
P.S. Pay attention to the very end of the sketch! It ties in nicely to the next point on this list.
5. She's Outspoken About Gun Control
And guess what? She's actually doing something about it. Not only does Schumer encourage her fans to take action to end gun violence, but she's teaming up with her cousin New York Senator Chuck Schumer. The two are working on gun control legislation, as well as mental health initiatives. Bravo to her!
6. She Goes Where No Female Comedian Has Gone Before
Literally! Next June, Schumer will be headlining Madison Square Garden. She's the first female comic to do so. This is a major honor. It's also not the only big gig she's landed — in 2015, Schumer had her own HBO special and hosted Saturday Night Live . Sure, other comedians have done those things, but these are impressive milestones nevertheless.
7. Her Squad Rivals Taylor Swift's
Let's be real, everybody wishes they were besties with Jennifer Lawrence. She also hangs with Aziz Ansari, Amber Rose, Lena Dunham, Chris Pratt, and more. I can only imagine the shenanigans that ensue. Plus, Amy Schumer constantly has her sister Kim by her side, who she lovingly refers to as "Road Manager."
Hanging with celebrities is cool and all, but putting family first? That's equally awesome.
8. She Did THIS On The Red Carpet
Remember when Schumer fell in front of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West at the TIME 100 Gala? She later explained why in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Schumer said,
Kim and Kanye [were] standing there, just owning it, just being short and important. And I think falling is the funniest thing, so I took a dive in front of them.
Hmm, pretty much everything this scenario is intriguing! The comedian isn't afraid to pull a stunt in the name of comedy. Plus, she wanted to lighten up an otherwise serious moment. Some people practically worship Kimye on social media, so Schumer went for the literal interpretation of bowing at their feet.
See what I mean? Schumer definitely deserves her new title! And since this is just the start of her stardom, I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store.
