Venezuelancrowned Miss Universein Moscow

Clooney, Cumberbatch honored at BAFTA Britannia awards

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013 39

Participants take part in the 2013 Miss Universe competition in Moscow on November 9, 2013.—AFP photos crowned Miss Universe in Moscow 25-year-oldVenezuelan Venezuelan television presenter, Gabriela Isler, on Satur- swimsuit that the organizers said was worth $1 million. the audience. The contest, whose slogan is “confidently beautiful,” was first day was crowned Miss Universe in Moscow in a glittering ceremony. The previous Miss Universe, Culpo, earlier appeared on stage wearing held in 1952 in Palm Beach in the United States. It still requires the women A Judges, including rock star Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, picked the the white cutaway swimsuit studded with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. not to be married or pregnant. Complete with a swimsuit round, the con- winner from a total of 86 contestants at the show, watched by millions of “That swimsuit travels with an armed security guard 24/7,” commented test remains hugely popular, particularly in Central and South America. viewers around the world. Last year’s winner Olivia Culpo of the United co-host Thomas Roberts, an American television presenter. Roberts, who States placed a diamond crown on the head of Isler, who wore a silver co-hosted the final with ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown, dedicated the show to ‘I empathize with the LGBT people here’ rhine-stone studded evening dress. Isler’s triumph was the seventh Miss the people suffering from the typhoon in the Philippines.“We send our very The decision to stage the show in Moscow has sparked debate over Rus- Universe win for Venezuela, where beauty pageants are a major source of best, our thoughts. We dedicate tonight’s show to you” he said. sia’s new law banning “homosexual propaganda”, a measure that prompted national pride. The presenters greeted the audience in unison in Russian: “Privet!” or the original US co-host to pull out. His replacement Roberts, who is also After the show, she beamed and waved to journalists, wearing the Miss hi. The show included a performance by Tyler, who sang “Dream on, dream openly gay, told AFP that he sympathised with Russia’s gay community. Universe sash and standing next to the show’s owner, US tycoon Donald until your dream comes true,” while standing on top of a white grand “I certainly think that discriminatory laws are just that, discriminatory Trump. “I feel a lot of emotions,” she said. “I’m still in shock. I feel so blessed, piano. All 86 contestants initially appeared on stage in red and black cock- and they marginalize the LGBT community,” he told AFP on the red carpet so happy to be here.” “It’s been a lot of fun and a great success,” said Trump. tail dresses. They then changed into red and black bikinis. The judges then ahead of the ceremony. “I empathize with the LGBT people here.” Roberts In the decisive interview round that concludes the competition, Tyler asked whittled down the contestants to a final 16, who faced off in a bikini round, did not refer to the issue of gay rights on stage, however. Russia won Miss Isler, who won Miss Venezuela last year, what her greatest fear was. She did carrying white fur stoles. Universe in 2002, but the policewoman Oksana Fyodorova was dethroned not give any details, but said: “I believe we should overcome all our fears Then a final 10 women strutted on the stage in elaborate sequinned after US shock jock Howard Stern provoked her into chatting about her sex and this in turn will make us stronger,” speaking in Spanish through an evening gowns, before the final five answered questions in the interview life. She now presents a children’s television show.—AFP interpreter. Isler is now set to pose on Sunday in a specially created jewelled round. Host country Russia was eliminated immediately, prompting boos in

Participants take part in the 2013 Miss Universe competition. Gabriela Isler in Celebration.

Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira, left, The finalists of the 2013 Miss Universe competition (from left) - Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez receives a bouquet. Gabriela Isler of Venezuela, Ariella Arida of Philippines, Patricia Yurena Rodriguez of Spain, Jakelyne Oliveira of Brazil and Con- Miss Philippines Ariella Arida stanza Baez of Ecuador wait for the judges’ decision in Moscow.

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler competes.

Yamamay Million Dollar Swimsuit for Miss Universe. Aerosmith frontman Steven Tylor performs. Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, from Venezuela, left, and pag- eant owner Donald Trump, of the United States, point to each other while posing for a photo.