This Saturday evening, live from the Futuroscope Arena in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou (Vienna), near Poitiers, 30 regional Misses aged 18 to 34 will parade in the hope of succeeding Ève Gilles and crowning Miss France 2025. This beauty contest remains one of the most watched programs each year. A year ago, the coronation of Ève Gilles, Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais who became Miss France 2024, was followed on average by 7.5 million people, one of the biggest audiences on TF1.
This competition, as much criticized as watched, has undergone a few small “revolutions” to break away from its anachronistic image. Since 2022, the rules for participation have been relaxed, under pressure from critics. Previously, the age limit for applying was 24 years old. This criterion has been removed, which allows 12 Misses to compete this year. Miss Martinique, Angélique Angarni-Filopon, is the “oldest” candidate to enter the competition at 34 years old. A 52-year-old woman also presented herself this year, but her candidacy did not go beyond the regional level. Married or civil partner women with children, as well as trans women and those with visible tattoos can also participate. “These criteria helped to reinforce sexist and ageist stereotypes, in particular that of the “pure” and desirable young woman, available, in the eyes of men,” analyzes Chloé Thibaud
independent journalist and author, specialist in culture and society subjects.
“Standardized” bodies
However, the competition has been under fire for several years, even more so in the era of #MeToo. This relaxation of the rules has, in fact, not really revolutionized the competition, the candidates continue to meet very standardized beauty standards. The only physical criteria in force are that of cosmetic surgery, prohibited except in the case of reconstructive surgery; and that of height, 1.70 meters minimum, for questions of similar dresses which cannot be shortened. “But we suspect that weight comes into play! », argues the journalist. There are no restrictions on measurements such as weight, the competition organization boasts.
In reality, if there is no obligation to meet physical standards, it is an insidious rule. “Although this is not explicitly formulated, a reality remains: in the collective imagination, Miss France is young and thin, period,” adds the author. The whole difficulty of a beauty contest lies in its name: the physique of these women, responding to a vision of a very “normed” body, remains the number one criterion. “What is important today is to no longer reduce these women to their physical appearance and above all to make male spectators understand that women, even the most beautiful and sexy, are not objects at their disposal” , notes Chloé Thibaud.
For several years, the organizers of the competition have worked to highlight the commitments and level of study of the Misses, to leave more space for their portrait during the show to counterbalance the physical aspect. A good idea…and a bad idea. “Obviously, this provides “proof” that they are not just a body, just a physique that is pleasant to look at, but it reinforces the stigmatization of those who do not have this intellectual background,” underlines the journalist.
Lead by example to change mentalities
How can we make this competition more modern? “The real, major progress that we could expect would be that all women, cisgender, transgender, able-bodied, with disabilities, with short hair, long hair, racialized, white, thin, fat, could participate and be judged of the same way, without receiving torrents of hatred from the public. We are still very, very far from that society. We only have to remember the cybersexism suffered by Ève Gilles in 2024 “because” of her haircut to measure it,” recalls Chloé Thibaud.
Because the question is also that of the public, which “particularly appreciates the fundamental ingredients of the meeting”, analyzed Virginie Spies, lecturer at the University of Avignon and media analyst, and is perhaps not ready to welcome more diversity. Does change have to come from another side? “Television and those who make it must set an example, it is essential to change mentalities. Precisely, we must take advantage of these opportunities for highly watched programs to create an awakening of conscience,” adds Chloé Thibaud.
Popular for contestants and viewers
The evolution of this competition, which is also the mirror of our society, is therefore taking place slowly. Conversely, the Netherlands decided to stop this competition after 35 years of existence, deemed “no longer relevant” and to transform it into a platform dedicated to mental health and the sharing of positive stories. In France, this competition remains very popular, both among viewers and among candidates. Winning this Miss France crown is still a dream for many women, as evidenced by the numerous regional and local competitions. It is also, for elected officials, a springboard for their career, a way to approach worlds that they would not have been able to know and a possibility of giving visibility to their commitments.
The election of Miss France 2025 can be followed this Saturday, December 14, from 9:10 p.m., on TF1. Chloe Thibaud,
Desire violence, at Hachette Pratique, 22 euros.
France
