Angelique Angarni-Filopon made history on December 14, 2024, as she was crowned Miss France 2025, becoming the oldest contestant ever to win the title. The 34-year-old flight attendant from the French Caribbean island of Martinique achieved this milestone following significant rule changes within the pageant, which recently allowed women over the age of 24 to participate, as well as those who are married or mothers.
During her acceptance speech, Angarni-Filopon expressed the emotional weight of her victory, stating, "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 it was too late." Her sentiments not only resonate with her personal experience but serve as motivation for many women who wish to defy ageism and gender norms.
The prestigious event took place live from Poitiers and was broadcast to millions on TF1, showcasing 30 contestants, including professionals such as doctors and dentists. These women not only competed for the crown but celebrated diversity and beauty across different generations. They performed to various musical numbers, ranging from country hits to classical Mozart, and displayed their talents through parading in regional costumes alongside traditional ball gowns.
The 2025 pageant served as yet another example of the gradual yet impactful evolution within beauty pageants. Over the past few years, organizers have recognized societal shifts and made moves to embrace inclusivity by relaxing previous restrictions. The inclusion of married women, mothers, and those above age-related limits marks a significant departure from the more traditional standards, often criticized for perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals.
This year’s pageant marked the end of the Miss Netherlands contest, which was scrapped after 35 years. The organizers cited the need to re-evaluate their platform and shift toward empowering women's narratives, transitioning from traditional pageantry to increasing visibility for women's experiences and struggles against societal pressures surrounding beauty.
Returning to Miss France, Angarni-Filopon not only earned the crown and prestige; she also received a year-long salary from the Miss France organization, access to accommodation in Paris, and numerous gifts from various sponsors. All this culminated from a platform celebrating femininity and strength, challenging beauty norms, and representing women from all walks of life.
The event was hosted by Jean-Pierre Foucault alongside the new national director, Cindy Fabre, and featured the esteemed Sylvie Vartan as president of the jury. The jury comprised prominent female figures—Marie-José Pérec, Cristina Cordula, Fauve Hautot, Nawell Madani, Khatia Buniatishvili, and Flora Coquerel—who adjudicated performances and captivated the audience with their own trails of success.
With public votes contributing to 50% of the final outcome, supporters rallied to cheer for their favorites throughout the night, embodying the interactive spirit of modern pageantry—orchestrated under the theme 'Le grand bal des Miss.'
The success of Angarni-Filopon not only symbolizes personal triumph but also shines light on the potential for systemic change within the beauty pageant industry. With new narratives of beauty continuously being crafted, the Miss France organization appears committed to reflecting society's diverse spectrum. This evolution doesn't just heighten the excitement around the competition; it chips away at archaic stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of women to own their identities boldly and unapologetically through platforms like Miss France.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon’s victory truly marks a new chapter—not just for her personally, but for the intersection of age, beauty, and representation within the world of beauty contests, affirming for many women everywhere, it's never too late to chase your dreams.
