Miss Universe 1953

Contestants from 26 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.

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.[7] The Miss Cinema 1953 contest which was responsible for sending the candidate of France to Miss Universe was won by Christiane Martel.[8]

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.[9] However, the Miss Singapore contest was postponed to next year due to lack of time and preparation.[10][11]

From 10 semi-finalists in 1952, 16 semi-finalists were chosen at the preliminary competition that consists of the swimsuit and evening gown competition. Each of the 16 semi-finalists gave a short speech during the final telecast using their native languages. Afterwards, the 16 semi-finalists paraded again in their swimsuits and evening gowns, and the five finalists were eventually chosen.[12]

• Jeff Chandler – American actor[12]
• Arlene Dahl – American actress[12]
• Rhonda Fleming – American actress, singer[12]
• Constance Moore – American actress, singer[12]
• Bud Westmore – American make-up artist for film[12]