Paris, France: In a historic turn of events for the Miss France pageant, 34-year-old Angelique Angarni-Filopon from Martinique has been crowned the winner, making her the oldest contestant ever to clinch the title. The pageant, which took place on Saturday, embraced a significant rule change, allowing women over 24, including those who are married or mothers, to compete.
Angarni-Filopon, a flight attendant, shared a poignant reflection upon her victory, “In 2011, a young woman aged 20 finished first runner up in the Miss Martinique competition. Today, it’s the same young woman aged 34 who stands before you to again represent Martinique, its diaspora as well as all the women who were once told that it was too late.” Her win was broadcast live on TF1, capturing the hearts of viewers across the nation.
The competition featured thirty diverse candidates, including professionals like doctors and dentists, who showcased their talents in swimsuits, regional costumes, and ballgowns, performing to an eclectic mix of music genres from country to Mozart.
As the new Miss France, Angarni-Filopon will enjoy a year-long salary from the Miss France organization, access to an apartment in Paris, and various gifts from sponsors, recognizing her role not just as a beauty queen but as a cultural ambassador.
This year’s Miss France comes on the heels of the Miss Netherlands pageant’s cancellation after 35 years, where organizers cited a shift towards “changing with the times.” They plan to pivot to a platform that celebrates stories of successful women and addresses issues like unrealistic beauty standards.
This victory for Angarni-Filopon not only breaks age barriers but also sends a powerful message about inclusivity and the evolving nature of beauty pageants in modern society.
Key Points
- Historic Win: Angelique Angarni-Filopon, a 34-year-old flight attendant from Martinique, became the oldest winner in Miss France history.
- Rule Change: The pageant introduced new rules allowing women over 24, married women, and mothers to participate.
- Inspirational Message: Angarni-Filopon’s victory speech highlighted the theme of perseverance, noting her previous participation in 2011 and her current win as a symbol of change for women told it was “too late.”
- Diverse Competition: Thirty contestants, including professionals like doctors and dentists, competed in various performances across different music genres.
- Prizes: The winner receives a salary for a year, an apartment in Paris, and various sponsor gifts.
- Contextual Shift: This event follows the cancellation of the Miss Netherlands pageant, which is moving towards a platform celebrating successful women and tackling beauty standards.
