Miss Universe 1981
| Miss Universe 1981 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 July 1981 |
| Presenters | Bob Barker, Elke Sommer |
| Entertainment |
|
| Venue | Minskoff Theatre, New York City, New York, United States |
| Broadcaster | |
| Entrants | 76 |
| Placements | 12 |
| Debuts |
|
| Withdrawals |
|
| Returns |
|
| Winner | Irene Sáez Venezuela |
| Congeniality | Linda Smith Bahamas |
| Best National Costume | Adriana Alves de Oliveira Brazil |
| Photogenic | Tina Brandstrup Denmark |
Miss Universe 1981 was the 30th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, held on 20 July 1981 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City, New York. Irene Sáez of Venezuela was crowned by Shawn Weatherly of the United States. There were 77 contestants competing for the crown, but Miss Mauritius got homesick and withdrew. The pageant originally was scheduled to be held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. However, for financial and political reasons, Miss Universe was moved to New York City.