On Saturday night, the enchanting Futuroscope of Poitiers served as the backdrop for the crowning of Angélique Angarni-Filopon as Miss France 2025, marking a historic moment for both the competition and for the Caribbean island of Martinique. At 34 years old, Angélique not only became the first Miss to wear the crown over 30 but also made history as the first woman from Martinique to hold the title.
The coronation, broadcast live on TF1, took many by surprise, especially as Angélique hadn't been among the expected favorites leading up to the event. The process of choosing Miss France involves 50% votes from the public and 50% from the jury. Despite this, it became clear during the ceremony: Angélique Angarni-Filopon was destined to shine.
This year's election saw Angélique’s main competitors emerge from the jury's preferences. While she was the top choice for the all-female panel led by the famous athlete Marie-José Pérec, the public had cast their ballots differently. The public votes favored Sabah Aïb, Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais, who was elected the first runner-up, placing Angélique second among the crowd's favorites.
Interestingly, even with mixed public preferences, Angélique secured her win not only as the runner-up according to public voting but also through consistent high rankings during both elimination rounds. At the end of counting, she received 5 points from the jury and 4 from the public, culminating in 9 points total, edging out Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais, who tallied 8 points.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Angélique expressed her gratitude and connection with the public during her first press conference after winning. "I was elected Miss Martinique on September 14 and became Miss France on December 14. It's incredible!" she shared, radiantly proud of her milestone.
Standing at 1.83 meters, Angélique attributes her confidence and public speaking skills to her previous career as an air hostess for Corsair, alongside her experiences within the insurance industry. "I stayed true to myself," she elaborated, emphasizing her authentic approach as pivotal to her successful campaign.
The transformation of the Miss France pageant over the years, particularly the lifting of the age cap two years ago, paved the way for Angélique's participation after having previously been crowned Miss Martinique back in 2011. "I am living proof of the fact it is never too late to reinvent oneself!" she declared, encouraging others to pursue their dreams regardless of age.
Though some feminists criticize beauty pageants as outdated and misogynistic, Angélique hopes her story inspires women everywhere. "I believe 34 is still young! Those twenties aren't so far away!" she confidently remarked, underscoring her belief about the vibrant life experience to be had after thirty.
The jubilation of her win, coupled with the changing perception of such competitions, signals potential shifts for future beauty representatives. The presence of prominent figures like acclaimed singer Sylvie Vartan as jury president solidified recognition of women’s achievements within the traditional framework of the competition.
Despite the challenges faced during the voting process, Angélique’s win serves as more than just personal achievement; it resonates across generations, showcasing the importance of representation and acceptance. Her victory is momentous not only for the Martinique community but also sets the stage for what the future of beauty pageants can embody.
For Angélique Angarni-Filopon, the path to Miss France was surely decorated with hurdles, but through perseverance and authenticity, she has reclaimed and reshaped her narrative, becoming not just Miss France 2025 but also a symbol of hope and reinvention for countless women across the nation.
