Miss Universe 1953 was the 2nd Miss Universe pageant, held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, United States of America on 17 July 1953. At the end of the event, actress Julie Adams crowned Christiane Martel from France as Miss Universe 1953. It is the first victory of France in the pageant's history. Miss Universe 1952 Armi Kuusela of Finland was not able to crown her successor after she chose to relinquish her crown in order to marry. Contestants from twenty-six countries and territories competed in this year's pageant, marking the smallest turnout to date for Miss Universe as of 2023. The pageant was hosted by Bob Russell. This edition also featured the Metallic Bronze Crown designed by American silversmith Allan Adler, an all-bronze crown known for its lack of rhinestones and gemstones. The crown was only used for this edition.

Background

Selection of participants

Contestants from twenty-six countries and territories were selected to compete in the pageant. One contestant was selected after another national pageant was held to replace the original dethroned winner.

Replacements

After Miss France 1953 Sylviane Carpentier chose not to participate in any international pageant in order to marry, two separate competitions were held to determine the candidates of France to Miss Universe and Miss World. The Miss Cinema 1953 contest which was responsible for sending the candidate of France to Miss Universe was won by Christiane Martel.

Debuts and withdrawals

The 1953 edition saw the debuts of Austria and Switzerland, and the withdrawals of Chile, Cuba, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, and Israel after their respective organizations failed to hold a national competition or designate a contestant. Singapore was also set to compete in this edition. However, the Miss Singapore contest was postponed to next year due to lack of time and preparation.

Results

Placements

Special awards

Pageant

Format

From ten semi-finalists in 1952, sixteen semi-finalists were chosen at the preliminary competition that consists of the swimsuit and evening gown competition. Each of the sixteen semi-finalists gave a short speech during the final telecast using their native languages. Afterwards, the sixteen semi-finalists paraded again in their swimsuits and evening gowns, and the five finalists were eventually chosen.

Selection committee

Contestants

Twenty-six contestants competed for the title.