POITIERS, FRANCE – The stage was set and the audience was buzzing as Miss Martinique, Angélique Angarni-Filopon, was crowned Miss France 2025 on the evening of December 14 at the Arena Futuroscope. This year’s event marked an impressive milestone as Angarni-Filopon, at 34, became the oldest contestant to take home the coveted title, challenging the previously accepted norms about age and beauty pageants.
Hosted live by the iconic Jean-Pierre Foucault, who celebrated his 30th anniversary presenting the event, the ceremony attracted over 4,000 attendees eager to see which of the 30 contestants would be crowned. Angarni-Filopon prevailed over the fierce competition, particularly impressing both the audience and judges with her charm and poise. "I feel so much love and pride. I’ve seen it in the eyes of my parents, who are very reserved," she remarked, emphasizing the emotional support surrounding her victory.
The night began with 30 contestants, each representing their regions, showcasing not only their beauty but also their talents through various themed performances. The event had a festive theme, referring to it as "Le Grand Bal des Miss," featuring iconic dances from different eras, including disco, tango, and the twist. The performances were mesmerizing and allowed the contestants to shine individually and as part of the ensemble.
Charlie Benard, Miss Poitou-Charentes, was one of the anticipated contenders but unfortunately did not make it to the final 15 selected for the later rounds. Despite this, she gained considerable applause throughout the event. The enthusiasm from her colleagues on the sidelines echoed throughout the venue whenever she took the stage. When she made her entrance, her talents were clear as she danced to classics from the 1960s such as "Poupée de cire, poupée de son" by France Gall, thrilling the audience and highlighting her background as a dedicated medical intern.
The judging panel, headed by singer Sylvie Vartan, included various influential figures from different domains such as humorist Nawell Madani and Olympic champion Marie-Josée Pérec. The diversity and prestige of the judging panel reflected the ethos of the Miss France competition, which celebrates both beauty and capability.
While the audience passionately supported candidates, the selection process involved not just popular votes but also careful consideration from the jury. Angarni-Filopon clinched the title by only one point, narrowly defeating Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the first runner-up. The remaining finalists included Miss Corse and Miss Guadeloupe, showcasing the broad range of talent and appeal among candidates.
Reflecting on her age, Angarni-Filopon said, "I am often reminded about my age. But 34 years is young, and they say the thirties are the best years. I can confirm this!" This comment resonates with the changing perspectives about age within beauty pageants, where traditionally younger contestants were favored. The results may indicate a shift toward inclusivity and celebrating women of various ages.
Angarni-Filopon’s newfound title brings with it numerous responsibilities. She mentioned her upcoming engagements, including press conferences and public appearances as the newly crowned Miss France. Public participation played a significant role in this competition, with viewers influencing the results through live voting, merging their whims with the jury’s evaluations.
Despite the disappointment for Charlie Benard, who commented on how being unable to compete among the final candidates felt like her own dream abruptly halted, her presence at the event invigorated the crowd. She continues to pursue her medical career, specializing as an intern, showing the duality of ambitions many contestants hold—balancing career aspirations alongside competition.
This year’s Miss France election not only celebrated beauty but also substantial accomplishments and transformative experiences of the contestants. Social media has reacted positively, and many believe Angarni-Filopon’s win marks a significant moment for beauty pageant culture, embracing diversity and setting new standards.
The Miss France 2025 event at the Arena Futuroscope will be remembered as one of the most exciting evenings of the year, filled with glamour, emotion, and historic milestones—an affirmation of changing norms and representation within the pageantry world.