It’s refreshing to finally see female celebrities being heralded for their talents and not insulted for their size in a world that values physical appearance.

Adele dominated the Grammys’ by taking home six awards for her sophomore project, 21. This year’s Oscars are buzzing with excitement for two other women, actresses Octavia Spencer, for her role in The Help, and Melissa McCarthy for her role in Bridesmaids.

What makes women like Adele, Melissa McCarthy, and Octavia Spencer amazing is their ability to allow their talents to represent who they are. None of them claim to be the face or personality behind full-figured women everywhere, nor do they constantly make it a point to bring up their size as an obstacle or marketing scheme.

Recently, designer Karl Lagerfeld was caught in controversy for claiming Adele was “too fat.” After the backlash from fans and colleagues alike, Lagerfeld apologized and was left with his tail between his legs as Adele publicly brushed the dirt off her shoulder in an interview with People magazine.

“I’ve never wanted to look like models on the cover of magazines,” Adele said. “I represent the majority of women and I’m very proud of that.”

Melissa McCarthy played the role of the stereotypical plus-sized woman in Bridesmaids as Megan. Megan’s character was masculine, put in clothes that didn’t accentuate any of her physical features, and was portrayed as a big eater who wasn’t afraid to show it.

On the other hand, McCarthy also served as the breakout actress of the film. Her execution of Megan’s unapologetic, sometimes naïve but caring persona can most easily be compared to Zach Galifianakis’ role in The Hangover.

Galifianakis was the butt of nearly every joke in the film, but his career has only progressed since the 2009 movie premiered. If history serves correct, McCarthy might be on the fast track to super stardom.

Octavia Spencer, similar to McCarthy, has also been a diamond in the rough throughout the years. She had countless supporting roles and is the undisputed favorite for this year’s Best Supporting Actress.

The debate whether these women are healthy or not is not what I’m arguing. This is about women who aren’t going to let something as trivial as what clothing size they are get in the way of their success.

As a woman who wasn’t blessed with the “body of a goddess,” I know the road to self-acceptance is not an easy one. At 21, I can say that although I know I need to work on my physical appearance, my self-worth will never be based solely off those attributes nor what I see in other women.

Women like Adele, Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, and even Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, have given the term “natural beauty” new meanings over the years.

Expectations for up-and-coming celebrities will never change, but as long as more women learn that self-acceptance is more important than looking like Angelina Jolie, then the human race might actually have a shot.

By ELVA AGUILAR, asst. arts editor

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