Sahar Biniaz (26) from Vancouver, B.C., was crowned Miss Universe Canada 2012 at the conclusion of the 10th anniversary of the pageant under Beauties of Canada Organization.
Sahar, who was born in India and raised in Iran, is now a proud Canadian citizen living in Vancouver. She was the 1st runner-up in Miss Universe Canada in 2008, and participated in Miss Tourism Queen International 2008, in China. She was the 2nd runner-up in the international competition.
The new Miss Universe Canada graduated with honors from Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles, in Performing Arts. Currently she is working as an actress in film and television.
Sahar will now represent Canada at the 2012 Miss Universe competition to be held in mid-December.
Transgender Jenna Talackova was a Top 12 semi-finalist, but failed to advance to the final stage of competition. She won the Miss Congeniality Award, tied with three other delegates, a first in the pageant history.
Official Results:
Miss Universe Canada 2012: Sahar Biniaz
1st runner-up: Adwoa Yamoah
2nd runner-up: Majd Soudi
3rd runner-up: Katie Starke
4th runner-up: Kesiah Papasin
Top 12 Semi Finalists: Chelsea Bird, Dajana Radovanovic, Ines Kipre, Jenna Talackova, Maria Julia Nahri, Sarah Harrison and Suzette Hernandez
Top 20 Quarter Finalists: Casar Jacobson, Christine White, Diana Schoutsen, Kuyan Elliott, Lisa Wong, Mandi Gale, Marta Jablonska, Vaughan Marr
Special Awards:
Miss Photogenic: Ela Mino
Revlon Professional Best Hair: Sahar Biniaz
Miss Congeniality: Jenna Talackova, Kylee Apers, Maria Julia Nahri, Maria Cecilia Nicolas (4-way tie)