On December 14, 2024, Angélique Angarni-Filopon was crowned Miss France 2025, making history as the oldest winner ever at 34 years old. The event took place at the Futuroscope theme park near Poitiers, France, during the 95th edition of the Miss France pageant. Angélique, who represented Martinique, triumphed over 30 other contestants, including 16-year-old Sabah Aib from Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
This significant win for Angélique Angarni-Filopon marks more than just personal success. It is celebrated as a landmark achievement for Martinique, as she is the first contestant from the island to wear the crown. “When I won Miss Martinique, I told the people of Martinique we’d do it together, and we did it together,” she reflected during her emotional moment on stage, bringing tears to her eyes as the audience cheered her on.
Angélique’s victory signifies the changing tides of beauty standards and expectations within the competition. For the first time, Miss France has crowned someone over the age of 30, highlighting the pageant’s shift toward inclusivity. The recent reforms have permitted women who are married or single mothers to enter, and also allowed transgender women to participate among other changes.
Taking part in the crown contest was not new for Angélique. She first entered the Miss Martinique contest back in 2011 but did not secure the title then. After nearly 15 years, she decided to try again, showcasing admirable resilience amid challenges of age and societal expectations.
Under this year’s voting system, both the public audience and a jury, which included famous singer Sylvie Vartan, contributed equally (50% each) to the final decision. Initially, the public had favored Moïra André of Guadeloupe, but the jury's votes turned the tide, allowing Angélique to secure the top position.
Notably, she becomes the second consecutive Miss France to sport short hair, following Ève Gilles. Over the years, victories from overseas departments have varied; Tahiti leads with five winners, followed by Guadeloupe and now, officially, Martinique.
Angélique’s achievement is celebrated not just as another title won but as part of the broader narrative of empowerment. Speaking at the event, she emphasized how each woman participating enables viewers to see themselves reflected back. The beauty contest often criticized for its historical misogyny is slowly changing its approach. Frédéric Gilbert, president of the Miss France organization, stated: "The pageant has become more inclusive, allowing diverse professional backgrounds—doctors, engineers, and more to represent the competition."
Following her win, Angélique’s family was present at the ceremony. Her parents, who traveled over 8,000 kilometers from Martinique, joyfully embraced her on stage, expressing immense pride. "We are very proud," her mother stated, with her father asserting, "The Martinique is awaiting you."
During the press conference post-crowning, Angélique highlighted her motivation stemming from personal experiences, particularly inspired by her mother's battle with breast cancer. "She was able to be treated on time. If this project is so dear to me, it's because I want to help women regain confidence through makeup and skin care," she shared. This commitment to uplift and empower women who have faced similar struggles adds another layer of meaning to her title.
After initially feeling overwhelmed at her win and veering toward tears, Angélique expressed her readiness to fulfill her new role. "I feel like I have been ready my whole life. It’s a strange feeling," she told TF1. With sleepless nights behind her from the intense media whirlwind, she prepared to depart for Paris for the next steps of her new chapter.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon’s historic reign as Miss France 2025 is not just about beauty or aesthetics; it's about transformation, resilience, and the evolution of societal norms surrounding women. Each step she takes symbolizes hope and change for many.
