Quick Read
- Hinaupoko Devèze, 23, from Tahiti, won Miss France 2026 at Zénith d’Amiens.
- Tahiti celebrated its sixth Miss France title, first since 2018.
- New Caledonia’s Juliette Collet and Normandy’s Victoire Dupuis were runners-up.
- Miss France now allows married, tattooed, and transgender contestants; age limits removed.
- The pageant faces ongoing criticism from feminist groups over objectification concerns.
Hinaupoko Devèze Claims the Miss France 2026 Crown for Tahiti
On December 6, 2025, the spotlight at the Zénith d’Amiens fell on Hinaupoko Devèze, a 23-year-old psychology graduate representing Tahiti. In a glittering live broadcast on TF1, Devèze was named Miss France 2026, triumphing over 29 other regional contestants in a ceremony steeped in tradition and evolving values. Her victory is more than a personal milestone—it’s Tahiti’s sixth national crown, ending a seven-year drought for the region and reigniting pride across the island.
New Traditions: Inclusion and Mentorship Shape the Competition
The 2026 pageant unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly changing contest. Over the last few years, Miss France has loosened its participation criteria—welcoming married women, contestants with tattoos, and transgender women, and removing age restrictions. This year’s 30 contestants reflected a broader cross-section of French society, signaling a shift from rigid beauty norms to a more inclusive vision.
The evening’s theme, “Travel,” guided the creative segments, with performances evoking «Asia», «The Future», «History», and «Dreams». The show opened with a choreographed number in shimmering gowns, followed by the regional costume parade featuring a collaboration with the Republican Guard—honoring France’s diverse cultural tapestry.
For the first time, the organization introduced a revamped mentorship program. Camille Cerf, Miss France 2015, was appointed to guide the winner throughout her reign, offering support as Devèze steps into a demanding public role. The mentorship aims to help titleholders navigate media scrutiny, charitable responsibilities, and the intense spotlight of national attention.
The Road to the Crown: Jury, Public, and a Transparent Process
The selection of Miss France 2026 followed a well-established format. First, twelve semi-finalists were chosen from the pool of regional winners. This group was then narrowed down to five finalists, each subjected to a general knowledge quiz and additional evaluations. The final decision balanced jury scores and public votes, with each accounting for 50% of the outcome. The jury—chaired by actress Michèle Bernier and featuring opera singer Axelle Saint-Cirel, journalist Bruce Toussaint, influencer Sally, and others—provided professional oversight, while the public’s voice ensured the process remained democratic and transparent.
Miss New Caledonia, Juliette Collet, and Miss Normandy, Victoire Dupuis, finished as first and second runners-up, respectively, underscoring the competitive nature of the event.
Passing the Sash: A Legacy of Change and Challenge
Hinaupoko Devèze succeeds Angélique Angarni-Filopon of Martinique, who made headlines in 2025 as the oldest Miss France winner at age 34. Angarni-Filopon’s reign was not without controversy. Her win sparked a wave of cyberbullying related to her age—a stark reminder of the pressures and prejudices still lurking behind the glamour. The Miss France organization responded forcefully, condemning harassment and emphasizing that such abuse “has no place in our competition.”
This episode highlights the changing face of the pageant, where contestants are increasingly judged not just for their appearance but for their resilience and character.
Controversy and Cultural Debate: The Future of Miss France
Despite the show’s enduring popularity—millions tuned in across France—the Miss France pageant remains a flashpoint for cultural debate. Feminist groups, notably Osez le féminisme!, continue to criticize the contest for perpetuating the objectification of women and have called repeatedly for its abolition. As participation criteria evolve and mentorship programs emerge, the conversation about the pageant’s place in modern society grows more nuanced. Supporters argue that the contest now celebrates diversity and empowerment, while critics maintain that it reinforces outdated gender norms.
This year’s edition, with its expanded eligibility and focus on personal achievement, pushes the boundaries of what a beauty pageant can represent—but it also keeps the longstanding debate alive.
What’s Next for Miss France 2026?
For Hinaupoko Devèze, the crown marks the beginning of a year filled with public appearances, charitable work, and media engagements. Supported by her mentor Camille Cerf, she will navigate the responsibilities of representing France’s evolving ideals on both national and international stages. Her journey will be watched closely—not only for her grace and poise, but for how she handles the scrutiny and expectations that come with the title.
Meanwhile, the Miss France organization faces its own challenge: continuing to modernize and respond to criticism, while celebrating tradition and national pride. The outcome of this balancing act will shape not only future pageants, but the very definition of what it means to be Miss France.
Hinaupoko Devèze’s victory is a reflection of both the enduring appeal and the ongoing transformation of the Miss France pageant. As the contest evolves to embrace inclusion and resilience, it stands as a microcosm of broader societal debates—about beauty, representation, and empowerment in a changing France.