60-Year-Old Miss Universe Hopeful Challenges Ageism, Wins "Best Face" at Miss Argentina Pageant

A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history fade amidst a flurry of sequins and selfies at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant on Saturday.

Alejandra Marisa Rodríguez, a hospital legal adviser whose participation had been celebrated as a victory against ageism, did not win the Miss Argentina crown. However, she took home the title of "Best Face," one of several categories including Best Evening Gown, Best Swimsuit, and Most Elegant.

Rodríguez thanked her supporters, recalling her triumph in the Miss Buenos Aires competition last month. Her victory there, following the removal of Miss Universe's age limit, catapulted her from obscurity to local fame and global media attention. The soft-spoken lawyer from La Plata, south of Buenos Aires, shared beauty tips and emphasized that age is just a number.

"As a result of what happened to me, I believe a new door has opened for many people who perhaps did not have it easy," Rodríguez said backstage, still wearing her red cocktail dress. "It was an adventure, and I had no expectations other than taking on a new challenge."

For the swimsuit portion, Rodríguez wore a modest one-piece suit with a shawl, delighting the crowd with a shimmy as fans cheered and blew air horns. However, the judges preferred Magali Benejam, a 29-year-old actress and model from Cordoba, who wore a skimpy blue bikini and high heels. Benejam won "Best Swimsuit" and ultimately the Miss Argentina title.

“I’m so excited and grateful to be here because the competition was not easy,” Benejam told the Associated Press. She will represent Argentina in the global competition in Mexico City in November.

Rodríguez's participation highlighted the Miss Universe pageant's new inclusive rules, which now allow contestants over 18 without an upper age limit. This change is part of broader efforts to modernize the pageant, which has faced feminist criticism since the 1968 protests at the Miss America contest.

Historically, Miss Universe was known for showcasing unmarried women in their late teens and twenties based on their looks and personalities. As cultural attitudes shifted, the pageant adapted, emphasizing qualities like empathy, confidence, and authenticity. It opened to married, pregnant, lesbian, and transgender women and removed "beauty" from its website, although age-related restrictions remained a point of contention.

While many praised Rodríguez's decision to compete, some questioned the message it sent to older women. Her award-winning face and figure made her blend in with younger contestants, sparking debate about realistic standards for aging.

“It’s contributing to a sense that all 60-year-old women should look youthful and fresh, as if they were 25,” said Lala Pasquinelli, an Argentine feminist activist. “If they don’t, it’s because they aren’t willing to make the sacrifices.”