The images carry a haunting quality, stirring memories of a bygone era in America when the Academy Awards were genuinely captivating. In those days, our stars radiated class, glamour, beauty, and elegance.
It’s shocking to see so many incredible stars who are no longer with us, reminding us just how fleeting life can be. I used to know every nominee, every film, and every song. Nowadays, I struggle to keep up.
A person once remarked that the 1975 ceremony represented a time when actors and actresses had class and lacked a political agenda. While this may not be completely accurate, it does seem like we’ve lost something significant.
Let’s take a trip back to the 47th Academy Awards and highlight a specific photo that has generated a lot of discussion lately. What is it about this image that has captured everyone’s attention?
”Ugly” and ”grotesque”
Discussing the 1975 Oscars inevitably brings Dustin Hoffman to mind. The iconic actor, now 87, certainly captured attention in the lead-up to the event, though not necessarily in the way most would anticipate.
Nominated for his compelling role in Lenny, a biopic about comedian Lenny Bruce, Hoffman was not particularly excited about going to the ceremony. He had a history of openly criticizing the Academy, describing the event as flashy and humiliating, and even referred to it as “ugly” and “grotesque,” comparing it to a beauty pageant.
This feeling led host Bob Hope to joke, “If Dustin Hoffman wins tonight, he’ll have a friend collect it for him — George C. Scott,” alluding to Scott’s decision not to accept his Oscar in 1971.
Although Hoffman did not win the Best Actor award that evening, Frank Sinatra, one of the hosts, couldn’t resist making a pointed remark at his expense. Sinatra, famous for his charm, delivered a comment that failed to resonate with the audience.
Sinatra fluffed his lines
It seems Sinatra had a challenging night at the 47th Academy Awards.
Reviews from 1975 were less than kind. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the audience even booed Sinatra during the show.
He seemed a bit drunk and stumbled over his words, making several inappropriate and pointed comments about his fellow Italian-Americans.
”It was an embarrassing spectacle,” Ebert wrote.
But more controversial things were destined to play out that night.
The speech that infuriated Bob Hope
The notion that award ceremonies were less political in the past is challenged by a story from the 1975 Oscars. In April of that year, as the Vietnam War was nearing its conclusion, the atmosphere of the evening reflected that significant moment in history.
Documentary filmmaker Bert Schneider made a notable entrance when he accepted the Best Documentary award for Hearts & Minds. He seized the moment to highlight Vietnam, stating, “It’s ironic that we’re here at a time just before Vietnam is about to be liberated.” This comment was expected, considering his documentary focused on the Vietnam War.
However, things escalated when Schneider read a telegram containing “Greetings of Friendship to All American People” from Viet Cong Ambassador Dinh Ba Thi.
The telegram thanked the anti-war movement “for all they have done on behalf of peace,” and that was too much for the Oscar emcee Bob Hope, who was a longtime hawk on the Vietnam war.
Fired back
An hour later, Hope decided not to let it go and sent a telegram that Frank Sinatra read to the split audience: “The academy states, ‘We are not accountable for any political references made during the program, and we regret that they occurred this evening.’”
Shirley MacLaine, one of the co-hosts, was furious about this speech, as was actor Warren Beatty. Beatty responded with sarcasm, saying, “Thanks, Frank, you old Republican.” MacLaine also chimed in with a pointed remark, stating, “You claimed to represent the Academy. I’m a member of the Academy, and you didn’t consult me!”
Looking back, some individuals believed that Bert Schneider’s remarks were quite tame. Those familiar with him observed that his comments during the 1975 Oscars were unexpectedly subdued, particularly given his tendency to be vocal about the Vietnam War on other occasions.
Collective showbusiness guilt
Ingrid Bergman is a well-known figure, and at the 1975 Academy Awards, the iconic Swedish actress received the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Greta Ohlsson in Murder on the Orient Express. At the age of 59, she was met with a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd, though her feelings were complex.
Katharine Ross and Peter Falk presented the award, and in her acceptance speech, Bergman expressed humility and regret, stating that Valentina Cortese was more deserving of the honor than she was.
Bergman believed she received the Oscar in part because Hollywood still felt guilty for abandoning her in 1949 after her controversial relationship with director Roberto Rossellini.
A striking moment
The 1975 Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, was truly one for the ages.
It encompassed it all—sophistication, legendary stars, political drama, and memorable films such as The Godfather Part II dominating the evening. In retrospect, it appears to be the pinnacle of Hollywood’s golden age, a time when celebrities exuded a charm and elegance that feels uncommon now.
Hardly surprising, then, that the gala is still talked about. Especially one photo that has sparked attention — even though almost 50 years have passed.
The image showcasing two legendary Hollywood stars, Jon Voight and Raquel Welch, remains a topic of discussion as it beautifully represents the charm and sophistication of that time. Nonetheless, it has also faced some criticism.
On that elegant night, Jon Voight wore a sharp black tuxedo, standing next to the stunning Raquel Welch, who sparkled in a gravity-defying dark pink gown. They appeared on stage to present the Best Cinematography award. While neither of these iconic actors received a nomination that evening, they undeniably captured attention on the red carpet.
”Jon’s looking like a creep”
The photo from this event has since gone viral on social media.
Many people love this famous image, but some commenters have expressed concern, suggesting that Voight’s grip on Raquel Welch seems inappropriate. One woman noted, “Jon looks like a creep. Raquel doesn’t seem comfortable. Unless they were a couple—that’s really creepy.” Another commenter stated, “It looks like he’s touching her without her consent 🥺.”
However, there are many who defended the photo and Voight:
I was a young woman back then, and it was common for a man to hold me like that at events or other places. It often felt nice, although some guys were better than others—there were a few sleazy ones, but it wasn’t a major issue. The outrage from some people here just makes me chuckle. Relax, everyone!
One person added, “Everyone is so judgmental. If you weren’t there back then, you shouldn’t have an opinion. If you were, you know this photo is perfectly fine! Come on, people….”
What are your thoughts? Does this image offer a delightful look back in time, or does it expose unsettling realities about gender dynamics in Hollywood?
Let’s continue the discussion — and share this article on Facebook!
