For the 30th time, Jean-Pierre Foucault will host the illustrious Miss France competition, marking yet another milestone on December 14, 2024, at the Futuroscope in Poitiers. Known as the emblematic face of the broadcast for the past three decades, Foucault, now 77, has become as integral to the event as the contestants themselves.
This year, Foucault has decided to amend his approach, humorously announcing he wouldn't make any predictions about the eventual winner. Over nearly three decades, he hasn't quite had the knack for foreseeing the results. "I open the envelope, I see who is going to be elected, and in my head I say ‘Oh no, you got it wrong again!’" he shared candidly. His lightheartedness, even about his misses, is part of his charm, and it appeals to the viewers who have witnessed his evolution on screen.
Despite his historical misfires, Foucault does have his favorites. He has long expressed affection for Miss Provence, lamenting, "Never has Miss Provence been elected during my tenure." His humorous threat—that he would quit presenting if Miss Provence were to win—speaks to his genuine connection with the region and its representatives. This raises the question: if Mégane Bertaud, the current Miss Provence, takes the title, could it signal Foucault's retirement?
Returning to his role on the 14th, he is prepared for another exciting broadcast, anticipated to be filled with charm and humor. "For now, I continue… I don’t intend to retire just because of rumors or comments. I plan to stay as long as I’m fit to take part," he asserted, alluding to speculation surrounding his departure from the Miss France stage.
Foucault's tenure has not been without controversy, particularly this year with the formation of the jury, which boasts no male members. This choice has been met with mixed reactions, but it is reflective of wider societal movements. Frédéric Gilbert, head of the Miss France organization, noted this shift and hinted at the reluctance some men may have felt about participating amid changing cultural attitudes due to the #MeToo movement. He expressed hopes for male representatives returning to the jury next year.
Jean-Pierre Foucault has seen and adapted to the changing tides of this enduring competition. He stated, "Every year we take steps forward. Last year’s show compared to this year’s will be more modern, more relevant." This adaptability has helped maintain Miss France as not just a pageant of beauty but as a platform for empowerment and social aspiration.
While everyone is buzzing about who could win this year, Foucault himself holds his cards close to his chest, jokingly stating on RTL, "Artificial intelligence predicts Miss Guadeloupe to win at 68%, but before believing AI, it’s wiser to heed natural folly." His light teasing taps right back to the heart of the show—the joy and intrigue of unpredictability.
This year, Foucault's 30th presentation could also serve as his farewell, but he is not ready to disclose his final decision just yet. Once again on stage, audiences can expect him to bring not only the glamour and excitement of Miss France but also moments of genuine reflection on his decades-long relationship with the event.
With the 30 contestants waiting to strut their stuff, and Foucault promising surprises typical of his unforgettable style, anticipation is palpable. Who will take home the crown this year? Will Foucault manage to finally hit the jackpot with his prediction? The world will be watching with bated breath on Saturday night. Although retirement looms on the horizon, Foucault's legacy within the fabric of French television—and especially the Miss France competition—remains steadfast.
Entering this significant ceremony once more, Jean-Pierre Foucault embodies resilience and adaptability, traits necessary for anyone connected to the beauty and entertainment industries. Each Miss France competition is not just about crowning the next beauty queen but also signifies evolution—both individually for the contestants and collaboratively for Foucault as he navigates his role as the beloved host.
