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New Yorkers Weigh In On Paltrow's 'Most Beautiful Woman' Honor

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow appeared to be suffering from a split public personality Wednesday night.

As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported, Paltrow has made many headlines for her cookbooks and blogging as well as her movies.

Now, she has been named both the "Most Hated Celebrity" and People Magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman."

Paltrow, 40, is married to Chris Martin of Coldplay – with two children, Apple and Moses. What she called her very good life just got better, as she landed the cover of the 2013 "Most Beautiful" issue.

"I honestly thought someone was playing a joke on me. I had to re-read the e-mail three times," Paltrow said. "I was like, 'This can't be true.'"

Being declared "the most beautiful woman in the world" by People Magazine is vindication for the "Iron Man 3" actress.

She has been described in some tabloids and blogs as seemingly self-righteous, and even annoying when discussing her lifestyle and parenting choices. The tabloid Star magazine went so far as to crown her "the Most Hated."

She has said the scrutiny, and the unkind words, simply come with being a celebrity.

Public relations expert Richard Auletta agreed.

"It's the nature of our society -- we put people up on a pillar, and as soon as they're up there, we try to take them down," Auletta said. "Gwyneth Paltrow is a strong personality, and she's willing to take stands on things, and that is uncomfortable for some people."

Paltrow's fans described her as a smart, talented, classy woman, worthy of the honor.

"I think she's gorgeous," said tourist Samantha Hill.

"She looks like she's having a good time being a mom," added tourist Jonalyn Arao.

Currently on Broadway in the musical "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is Paltrow's mother, Blythe Danner. CBS 2 caught up with her at the stage door on Wednesday night.

"She certainly didn't get it from me," Danner said. "She got the cheekbones from her dad."

Danner continued: "It's lovely She's a great actress; a great mom; a terrific, wonderful person; creative being. She can do anything."

People Magazine with Paltrow on the cover hits newsstands Friday.

The issue also includes Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington, and Jane Fonda.

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