When I look at old Oscar photos, especially from the 1970s, I get nostalgic chills down my spine.
There is something almost haunting about these pictures – they evoke memories of a different era, a different America, when the Academy Awards were actually worth watching. Back then, our celebrities radiated class, glamour, beauty and elegance.
It’s amazing to see so many incredible stars who are no longer with us, and it reminds us of how fleeting life is. I used to know every nominee, every film and every song. Now I can barely keep up.
Audrey Hepburn at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, 1975 (Getty Images)
Someone once said that the 1975 ceremony was ‘a time when actors and actresses had class and no political agenda,’ and while that may not be entirely true, we certainly feel like we’ve lost something important.
So let’s go back to the 47th Academy Awards and focus on one particular photo that has sparked a lot of discussion lately. What is it about this photo that has people talking?
‘Ugly’ and ’grotesque.’
It’s hard to talk about the 1975 Oscars without mentioning Dustin Hoffman. The legendary actor, now 87 years old, certainly dominated the pre-ceremony conversations – though perhaps not in the way many expected.
Hoffman was nominated for his stunning performance in ‘Lenny,’ a biographical film about comedian Lenny Bruce, but he wasn’t thrilled about attending the ceremony. Known for his outspoken criticism of the Academy, he called the event garish and embarrassing, even going so far as to call it ‘ugly’ and ‘grotesque,’ comparing it to a beauty pageant.
These words prompted host Bob Hope to say, ‘If Dustin Hoffman wins tonight, his friend George C. Scott will take him,’ referring to Scott’s own refusal to accept his Oscar in 1971.
Although Hoffman didn’t win the Best Actor award that night, that didn’t stop Frank Sinatra, one of the evening’s hosts, from teasing him. Sinatra, known for his charisma, made an undeserved quip that did not resonate with the audience.
Sinatra was confused about his lines
Sinatra seemed to have a difficult night at the 47th Academy Awards.
Reviews from 1975 were not too kind. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the audience even booed Sinatra during the show.
Barbara Sinatra and Frank Sinatra (Getty Images)
He looked slightly tipsy and rambled his lines, making ‘several sharp, tasteless remarks about his fellow Italian-Americans.’
‘It was an embarrassing spectacle,’ Ebert wrote.
But more controversial things were destined to play out that evening.
The speech that infuriated Bob Hope
If it’s been said that awards ceremonies in the past were supposedly less politicised, there’s one story from the 1975 Oscars ceremony that strongly refutes that notion. In April of that year, the Vietnam War was about to end, and it was certainly felt throughout the evening.
When documentary filmmaker Bert Schneider took the stage to accept the award for best documentary for ‘Hearts and Minds,’ he couldn’t help but draw attention to Vietnam. He remarked, ‘It is ironic that we are gathered here at a time when Vietnam is about to be liberated.’ This was not particularly surprising given that his critical documentary was about the Vietnam War.
Things escalated, however, when Schneider read a telegram with a ‘Greeting of Friendship to all the American people’ from Viet Cong Ambassador Dinh Ba Thi.
The telegram thanked the anti-war movement ‘for all they have done in the name of peace,’ and it was too much for Oscar-winning host Bob Hope, who had long been a hawk on Vietnam War issues.
Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope (Getty Images)
Return Shot
Unwilling to put his hands down, an hour later Hope wrote a telegram which Frank Sinatra read out to the divided audience, ‘The Academy says: “We are not responsible for any political references in the programme and we are sorry that they occurred this evening”.’
This speech infuriated Shirley MacLaine, one of the co-hosts, as well as actor Warren Beatty. Beatty wryly responded, ‘Thanks Frank, you’re an old Republican.’ McLain added her own sharp comment, saying: ‘You said you speak for the Academy. Well, I’m a member of the Academy, and you didn’t ask me!’.
In retrospect, some people believe that Bert Schneider’s comments were relatively mild. Those who knew him noted that his remarks at the 1975 Oscars were surprisingly restrained – especially considering how outspoken he was at times about the Vietnam War.
The collective guilt of show business
Ingrid Bergman needs no introduction, and at the 1975 Academy Awards, the legendary Swedish actress was honoured with the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Greta Olsson in Murder on the Orient Express. In her 59th year, she received a standing ovation from an admiring audience, but her emotions were mixed.
Introduced by Katharine Ross and Peter Falk, Bergman gave a modest and apologetic speech, noting that actress Valentina Cortese deserved the award more than she did.
Bergman believed she won the Oscar in part because Hollywood still feels guilty for turning its back on her in 1949 after her scandalous affair with director Roberto Rossellini.
A remarkable moment
The 1975 Academy Awards ceremony at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California was truly an event for the ages.
It had it all – elegance, iconic stars, political intrigue and unforgettable films such as The Godfather Part II. In retrospect, this was the peak of Hollywood’s golden era, when celebrities possessed a charm and grace that seems rare today.
So it’s no surprise that the gala is still being talked about today. There’s one photo in particular that has garnered a lot of attention – even though it’s been almost 50 years.
Jon Voight and actress Raquel Welch pose backstage after presenting the award for Best Cinematography during the 47th Academy Awards (Getty Images)
The photo, which captures two of Hollywood’s most iconic figures – Jon Voight and Raquel Welch – continues to spark debate as it perfectly captures the elegance and glamour of the era. However, the shot also sparked criticism.
On that glamorous evening, Jon Voight was dressed in a classic black dinner jacket and stood next to the dazzling Raquel Welch, who shimmered in a dark pink gown that boldly defied gravity. Together they took to the stage as presenters of the Best Cinematography Award. While neither of the legendary actors were nominated on the night, they certainly made a striking impression on the red carpet.
‘John looks like a creep.’
A photo from the event has since gone viral on social media.
While most people adore the iconic image, some commenters raised eyebrows, claiming that Voight’s embrace with Raquel Welch looked inappropriate. ‘Jon looks like a jerk. Raquel doesn’t look comfortable. Unless they’re a couple it’s just creepy,’ one woman remarked. Another added: ‘She looks like he’s touching her without her consent 🥺’.
Jon Voight and actress Raquel Welch pose backstage with Fred J. Kenekamp, who won the award for Best Cinematography, during the 47th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
However, there were many who came out in defence of the photo and Voight:
‘I was a young woman at the time, and having a man hold me like that at an event or other place happened a lot, and it was normal. It could be very pleasant, but of course some guys were nicer than others and some were nasty, but that was okay.’ Some of the outraged feelings here just make me laugh. Relax people!’ – one commenter stated.
Another added: ‘Everyone is so critical. If you weren’t around at the time, you don’t have an opinion. If you were around at the time, you know there is nothing wrong with this picture! Gezz, people…..’
What do you think? Is this snapshot a fascinating glimpse into the past or does it reveal uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics in Hollywood?
