Miss Universe 1976
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| Miss Universe 1976 | |
|---|---|
 Rina Messinger | |
| Date | 11 July 1976[a] |
| Presenters | |
| Venue | Lee Theatre, Hong Kong |
| Broadcaster | |
| Entrants | 72 |
| Placements | 12 |
| Debuts |
|
| Withdrawals |
|
| Returns |
|
| Winner | Rina Messinger Israel |
| Congeniality | Margaret McFarlane (Trinidad and Tobago) |
| Best National Costume | Rocío Lazcano (Peru) |
| Photogenic | Pauline Davies (England) |
Miss Universe 1976 was the 25th Miss Universe pageant, held at the Lee Theatre in Hong Kong, on 11 July 1976[a].
At the conclusion of the event, Anne Marie Pohtamo of Finland crowned Rina Messinger of Israel as Miss Universe 1976. It is the first victory of Israel in the pageant's history.
Contestants from seventy-two countries and territories participated in this year's pageant. The pageant was hosted by Bob Barker in his tenth consecutive year, while Helen O'Connell provided commentary and analysis throughout the event.
Location and date
On 3 August 1971, the Miss Universe Organization and the Government Economic Development Administrator of Puerto Rico signed a contract to bring Miss Universe and Miss USA to San Juan from 1972 to 1976.[1] However, the Puerto Rican government canceled the agreement in February 1973 because, according to Puerto Rican government officials, the agreement was allegedly illegal.[2]
The pageant's 25th anniversary was supposed to be held in Israel. However, it was announced on 15 January 1976, that the competition would no longer be held in Israel after the Israeli Ministry of Finance refused to allocate $300,000 to host the competition in the country.[3] According to then-Finance Minister Yehoshua Rabinovitz, if competition for Israeli tourism and propaganda is good, the funds should come from the Tourism and Foreign Ministry budget.[4][5]
On 6 February, Miss Universe Inc. president Harold Glasser announced that the 25th anniversary of the pageant would be held on 10 July in Hong Kong, and all money raised from tickets would go to the Hong Kong Community Chest.[6]
Selection of participants
Contestants from seventy-two countries and territories were selected to compete in the pageant. Two candidates were selected to replace the original dethroned winner.
Replacements
Miss Venezuela 1976 first runner-up, Judith Castillo, was appointed to represent Venezuela after Miss Venezuela 1976, Elluz Peraza, resigned after four days to get married.[7] Miss Holland 1976 first runner-up, Nannetje Nielen, was appointed to represent her country after Miss Holland 1976, Lucie Visser, chose not to participate for undisclosed reasons.[8][9]
Debuts, returns, and, withdrawals
This edition saw the debuts of Barbados, the Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Sint Maarten, and the returns of Norway which last competed in 1973; and Honduras and Suriname which last competed in 1974.[10]
Janet Joan Joseph of Belize, Angela Ruddock of Jamaica, and Ramona Karam of Lebanon withdrew for undisclosed reasons.[11] Haiti, Micronesia, and Morocco withdrew after their respective organizations failed to hold a national competition or appoint a delegate.
Cleopatra Sanders of Antigua and Irene Penn of the British Virgin Islands were supposed to participate in this edition, but were unable to do so for undisclosed reasons.[12] Amiot Moea of Tahiti was also supposed to participate, but withdrew from the competition after finding out that her mother fell ill.[13]
Results
Placements
| Placement | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Universe 1976 | |
| 1st runner-up | |
| 2nd runner-up | |
| 3rd runner-up | |
| 4th runner-up | |
| Top 12[15] |
Special awards
| Award | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Photogenic | |
| Miss Congeniality |
|
| Best National Costume |
Pageant
Format
Same with 1971, twelve semi-finalists were chosen at the preliminary competition that consists of the swimsuit and evening gown competition. The twelve semi-finalists participated in the casual interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. From twelve, five finalists were shortlisted to advance to the final interview.[15]
Selection committee
- Henri, Count of Paris – French noble
- Margareta Arvidsson – Miss Universe 1966 from Sweden[18]
- Florinda Bolkan – Brazilian actress and model[18]
- Britt Ekland – Swedish actress[18]
- Dame Margot Fonteyn – English prima ballerina[19]
- Aldo Gucci – Italian fashion designer and businessman[20]
- Dong Kingman – Chinese-American painter[18]
- David Newbigging – Hong Kong politician, chairman of Jardine Matheson[18]
- Roman Polanski – Polish-French filmmaker[19]
- Run Run Shaw – Hong Kong entertainment mogul and philanthropist[18]
- Fred Williamson – American football player and actor[18]
Contestants
Seventy-two contestants competed for the title.
