Well folks, it’s that time of year again. Nope, not the bustling holiday shopping season; instead I’m referring to the always-anticipated announcement of what has become Hollywood’s version of a Prom King: People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.

And just who is the lucky lad being crowned with the 2012 title? None other than “Magic Mike” himself, Channing Tatum!

While the winner is sure to invoke serious discussions over the dinner table for many, as to whether Tatum is deserving of the honor, it shouldn’t come as much surprise that he’d be at the top of the list this year. The title “Sexiest Man Alive” may conjure up the idea that it is solely based on candidates’ physical attributes, but it has become more and more clear the past few years that the endowment is also based on who seems to be having one of their best years career-wise.

Remember when Channing Tatum was pretty much only known as that dancing dude in the first “Step Up” movie? It’s hard to remember back to such obscurity now, considering he starred in 3 certifiable hit films this year (“The Vow,” “21 Jump Street,” and the aforementioned “Magic Mike,” based on his own life experiences). He also hosted one of the best “Saturday Night Live” episodes of the year – and according to IMDB, he has seven, yes SEVEN, films in various stages of production for 2013. With that kind of evidence it’s difficult to deny the guy is hot – both physically and career-wise as well.

The contest never seems to pass without controversy though, as last year’s winner Bradley Cooper must surely know. When news broke that he was the People choice, Ryan Gosling fans came out of the woodwork to announce the magazine’s mistake.

While I love Bradley Cooper, and believe he’s very deserving of last year’s honor, you can see the point. Last year really was the Year ‘O Gosling, with him popping up in everything from comedies (“Crazy Stupid Love”) to political dramas (“The Ides of March”), and both were very good films.

As for this year, while I agree Tatum shined in 2012, I can’t help but throw in my two cents towards Joseph Gordon-Levitt. With his star turns in “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Looper” (and a supporting role in “Lincoln” opening this weekend – how’s that for versatility?), I’m a little disappointed he didn’t claim the top spot. But as Ryan Gosling might say to console me: “Hey girl, there’s always next year.”