Elizabeth Taylor was at the peak of her beauty at the age of 38, and the night was made more special by her stunning gown and the famed diamond that glistened around her neck.
However, a devastating loss was threatening to overshadow the events behind the scenes.
Viewing past Oscars shows is like entering a time machine that transports you to a more glamorous and elegant time. To be honest, the stars of that era have more style than many of the so-called celebs of today put together.
I can’t help but get a surge of nostalgia. Looking at these famous people, many of whom are no longer with us, is a melancholy experience. It is a clear reminder to me that life is a brief yet exquisite journey that we should savor every second of.
A night of historic significance
The absence of an official host was one of the many reasons why the 1970 Academy Awards was a memorable night.
In addition, it was the first Oscar ceremony to be televised to a global audience, making it a historic occasion.
Cary Grant’s acceptance of the Academy Honorary Award stands as one of the night’s most memorable events. In a sincere homage to his enduring appeal and outstanding film legacy, the audience burst into deafening ovation.
However, the emotional center of attention was also captured by John Wayne’s victory speech for Best Actor for his performance in True Grit. The renowned American hero showed his sincere gratitude for the distinction in a modest and kind speech.
However, there were few disputes that night. Many people continue to argue that Dustin Hoffman’s underappreciated performance in Midnight Cowboy was the greatest Oscar heist ever. There may be some truth to the claim made by many that John Wayne earned the monument in recognition of his devoted and lengthy career in the motion picture business.
It’s evident from the archives that Cary Grant was a major celebrity at the 1970 Oscars. Naturally, the renowned actor anticipated some applause as a matter of respect when he took the stage to accept the Academy Honorary Award.
He was almost to cry as he received a standing ovation from the audience.
I was quite overwhelmed as everyone got up. For a second, I believed I was seeing things. He subsequently remembered, “I was so shocked that I don’t know how I gave my acceptance speech.”
The passion of the moment was overwhelming Grant, and he was on the verge of losing it. However, it only took a fleeting glimpse to bring him back to his feet when he noticed Frank Sinatra in the crowd, his eyes glimmering with a playful gleam.
“It helped me come together,” Grant remarked.
The arrival of Elizabeth Taylor
Let’s face it, though, John Wayne, Dustin Hoffman, or even Cary Grant weren’t the true stars of the 1970 Oscars. Despite their extraordinary qualities, a 38-year-old beauty stole the show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, enthralling everyone.
Elizabeth Taylor made an absolutely captivating entrance when she took the stage to accept the Best Picture award.
Her compassion and kindness stood in stark contrast to Hollywood’s ruthless culture. People used to say, “Liz Taylor, no one ever as beautiful,” and it was accurate.
People were drawn to her because of her sincere vibe.
She left everyone in wonder at the 42nd Academy Awards wearing a gorgeous gown that accentuated her natural beauty and hugged her petite waist, without the excessive tan that was prevalent at the time.
And it was obvious that Elizabeth was more than simply an actress—she was an icon—with her renowned 69-carat Cartier diamond glistening around her neck.
The real story behind her diamond
It’s difficult to look at Taylor’s pictures from that evening without being enthralled by the stunning jewel that adorns her neck.
The history of this famous piece of jewelry, however, may not be widely known. Beyond merely being a glitzy accessory, the Taylor-Burton Diamond, which sparkled so exquisitely against her skin, was a representation of love, tenacity, and a little Hollywood drama.
The press was speculating about Elizabeth Taylor’s outfit for the glitzy event for just a few days leading up to the Oscars on April 7, 1970.
There were rumors that she was going to show off her million-dollar diamond, which had just been put in a gorgeous necklace, to the crowd. According to reports, Taylor paid three Australian corporations $2,500 in insurance premiums, or around $20,250 in today’s currency, for the right to display this jewel.
This famous item, called the Taylor-Burton Diamond, was a gift from her husband, actor Richard Burton, and weighed an incredible 68 carats.
A ravening madman
The initial rough diamond weighed 241 carats and was found in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. During a trip to London, Burton fought his way into possession of the diamond. Burton was the underbidder when the diamond was first purchased at auction for a record-breaking $1,050,000 by jewelry company Cartier.
Angry with his defeat, Burton became a raging madman.
He proclaimed, “I was going to get that diamond if it cost me two million dollars or my life, whichever was greater.”
But Elizabeth did not panic.
“Elizabeth protested that it didn’t matter, that she didn’t mind if she didn’t have it, that there was much more in life than baubles, and that she would manage with what she had,” Burton later wrote in his notebook, describing Elizabeth as charming as only she could be.
Burton worked with his lawyers for hours at a pay phone in his London hotel the day after the auction to get the money to purchase the diamond from Cartier at any price.
Their perseverance paid off, and the diamond was formally theirs for $1.1 million the next day.
The famous gem’s position in Hollywood history was cemented when Burton subsequently remarked, “I wanted that diamond because it is incomparably lovely … and it should be on the loveliest woman in the world.”
Joke on Elizabeth Taylor by Bob Hope
Bringing his trademark wit to the event, comedian Bob Hope led a portion of the comical presentation of the 42nd Academy Awards nominees, including actors and films.
He made a joke about Taylor as he recognized the esteemed people there, stating, “I know Miss Taylor is here.” Outside, I noticed a Brinks truck parked.
The witty reference to his wife’s fine jewelry collection made Richard Burton laugh.
The reality of her attire
It seemed as though time stopped as Elizabeth Taylor walked the red carpet at the 1970 Academy Awards.
The captivating cornflower blue of her outfit, which changed from violet to lilac with each change in the light, and the hundreds of flashing cameras that were filming her every move were the first things that caught people’s attention.
The garment was a work of art created by Edith Head that was intended to highlight every inch of Taylor’s brilliance, not just a piece of fabric.
First of all, the color selection was deliberate. The gown’s tone, which was meticulously chosen to complement Taylor’s own captivating eyes, was created by the renowned Edith Head. In order to find a modernized version of the dress she wore in the 1951 movie A Place in the Sun, Taylor personally worked with Head.
The dress was an artistic creation rather than merely a fashion statement. The Taylor-Burton diamond was beautifully framed by the plunging neckline, which also emphasized her newly thin body and let the necklace sparkle.
It is intended to highlight Elizabeth’s recently slimmed physique. It’s a romantic, supple, and flowy chiffon. Edith Head told AP, “She has a soft stole-cape to the floor in chiffon with a hood over it.”
It was an outfit that would go down in Oscar history as being inextricably linked to Elizabeth Taylor’s grace and beauty.
took a bath for ten minutes.
Taylor allegedly had a refreshingly straightforward beauty routine on the day of the event.
The well-known movie star utilized a simple drugstore moisturizer rather than an intricate skincare routine.
She loved applying her own makeup, but for certain events like the Oscars, she hired a professional makeup artist. Taylor frequently used cake eyeliner for her eyes and preferred a little blush and translucent foundation. It’s interesting to note that she had a natural double set of lashes and never wore false ones.
A representative for House of Taylor told AOL that Elizabeth took a 10-minute bath after applying makeup in order to help set it and unwind before the occasion.
Backstage, I sobbed.
Presenting the prized Best Picture award at the 1970 Oscars, the renowned star, one of the last of the vintage Hollywood film industry, had a significant role.
Behind the scenes, though, there was anarchy.
Just prior to her arrival, John Wayne had just defeated Richard Burton in a sad loss for Best Actor. Taylor was shocked to learn that Burton had been nominated for the sixth time without winning the coveted golden statuette.
She sobbed backstage, and witnesses described how the makeup artist had to hurry to change her appearance before she could go on stage.
Her poise was lacking when she eventually took the stage. It was evident in her eyes. You could hear a pin drop when the audience fell silent as she arrived.
As she revealed the Best Picture winner, it was evident that she was grieving over her husband despite her professionalism.
Her heart was troubled by the fact that the guy she loved had suffered yet another loss.
Following the party
Burton describes the spirit of that enchanted evening in his diary:
On Wednesday, the 8th, we attended the party and sat with George Cukor, the Chandlers (who own the LA Times), and the Pecks. However, we were surrounded by a large number of photographers who, much to my satisfaction, gave little attention to anyone else, including the winners. Even though Barbra Streisand considers herself a major star, she was totally overshadowed.
It is obvious from looking at the innumerable photos of Taylor taken that night that she was the undisputed center of attention.
A constellation of superstars surrounding the actress and her spouse at the after-party. Like fireworks, flashbulbs illuminated their table.
The paparazzi seemed to be enthralled as well, finding it difficult to concentrate on their assignment when they realized how big the moment was. They were enthralled with the image in front of them and were no longer just photographers documenting visions for glitzy magazines.
On that fateful night, many would contend that the greatest star of the 20th century was at its most brilliant. Another lavish gift from her husband, the breathtaking 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring, glistened on her left ring finger, perfectly encapsulating her legendary beauty.
What happened to Taylor and her group at the end of this incredible evening?
We had a tough time leaving due of the throngs of cameras and Gig Young, who won best supporting actor and was charming despite being intoxicated. As expected, Hawn took up the supporting actress award. We returned home after failing to locate Duke Wayne, […] Later, Wayne himself appeared, also very inebriated but pleasant in his foul-mouthed manner, Burton noted in his diary.
One thing became very evident when the 1970 Oscars came to an end: Elizabeth Taylor was the unambiguous winner. Her beauty, talent, and an unwavering passion that went beyond the screen perfectly captured all that was enchanting about Hollywood in the 1970s.
Considering her charm and modesty, it seems perfectly appropriate to honor her in this manner. She won many people over as a wonderful human being in addition to being an amazing actress.
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