The 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 was a night filled with glamor, but one star undoubtedly shone brighter than all the others.
At just 38, Elizabeth Taylor was at the height of her beauty, and her fabulous gown and the world-famous diamond sparkling around her neck made the night special.
However, behind the scenes, a heartbreaking loss threatened to overshadow proceedings…
Looking back at old Oscars ceremonies is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you away to an era filled with glamor and grace. Honestly, the stars of that time had more class in their little fingers than many of today’s so-called celebrities combined.
I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It’s bittersweet to gaze upon these iconic figures, so many of whom are no longer with us. To me, it serves as a stark reminder of how fleeting life truly is — a short, beautiful journey we should cherish every moment of.
An historic night
The 1970 Academy Awards was a memorable evening for many reasons, most notably its lack of an official host.
It also marked a groundbreaking moment in Oscars history, as it was the first ceremony broadcast via satellite to an international audience.
One of the night’s most iconic moments was Cary Grant receiving the Academy Honorary Award. The audience erupted into thunderous applause, a heartfelt tribute to his timeless appeal and remarkable legacy in film.
On the other hand, John Wayne’s acceptance speech for Best Actor for his role in True Grit also stole the emotional spotlight. The legendary American icon delivered a humble and gracious speech, showcasing his genuine appreciation for the honor.
Yet, the evening wasn’t without its controversies. Many still debate that the biggest robbery in Oscars history occurred when Dustin Hoffman was overlooked for his breathtaking performance in Midnight Cowboy. Many might argue that John Wayne received the statue for his long and loyal service to the film industry, and perhaps there’s some truth to that as well.
Sinatra saved Cary Grant
Looking back at the archives, it’s clear that Cary Grant played a starring role during the 1970 Oscars. As the legendary actor took the stage to accept the Academy Honorary Award, he naturally expected some applause — a simple courtesy.
When the audience gave him a standing ovation, he was on the verge of tears.
”When everyone stood up, I was all at sea. I thought for a moment I was seeing things. I was so taken aback that I don’t know how I delivered my acceptance speech,” he later recalled.
Grant was on the brink of breaking down, overcome by the emotion of the moment. But just then, he spotted Frank Sinatra in the crowd, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous spark, and that quick glance was all it took to steady him.
”It pulled me together,” Grant said.
Elizabeth Taylor’s entrance
But let’s be honest, the real star of the 1970 Oscars wasn’t Cary Grant, Dustin Hoffman, or even John Wayne. As remarkable as they were, it was a 38-year-old beauty who truly stole the spotlight, captivating everyone at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California.
When Elizabeth Taylor stepped onto the stage to present the award for Best Picture, her entrance was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Her kindness and generosity contrasted sharply with the cutthroat nature of Hollywood. “Liz Taylor, no one ever as beautiful,” people would say, and it was true.
There was a genuine aura about her that drew people in.
Dressed in a stunning gown that hugged her tiny waist and highlighted her natural beauty — sans the heavy tan that was popular at the time — she left everyone in awe at 42nd Academy Awards.
And with her world-famous 69-carat Cartier diamond sparkling around her neck, it was clear that Elizabeth was not just an actress; she was an icon.
The truth about her diamond
Looking closely at the photos of Taylor from that night, it’s hard not to be captivated by the magnificent jewel around her neck.
Yet, few may know the story behind this iconic piece of jewelry. The Taylor-Burton Diamond, which glittered so beautifully against her skin, wasn’t just a glamorous accessory — it was a symbol of love, determination, and a bit of Hollywood drama.
Just days before April 7, 1970, the date of that year’s Oscars, the press was buzzing with anticipation, speculating on what Elizabeth Taylor would wear to the glamorous event.
Rumors swirled that she planned to dazzle the audience with her million-dollar diamond, newly set in a stunning necklace. For the privilege of showcasing this gem, Taylor reportedly paid a $2,500 insurance premium to three Australian companies — equivalent to about $20,250 today.
This iconic piece, known as the Taylor–Burton Diamond, weighed in at a breathtaking 68 carats and was a gift from her husband, actor Richard Burton.
A raving maniac
The original rough diamond, discovered in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighed 241 carats. Burton acquired the diamond during a visit to London, though not without a fight. Initially, the jeweller manufacturer Cartier had won the diamond at auction for a record-breaking $1,050,000, leaving Burton as the underbidder.
Furious over his loss, Burton turned into a raving maniac.
”I was going to get that diamond if it cost me my life or 2 million dollars, whichever was greater,” he declared.
Elizabeth, however, remained calm.
”Elizabeth was as sweet as only she could be and 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, that she would manage with what she had,” Burton later wrote in his diary.
The day after the auction, Burton spent hours at a payphone in his London hotel, working with his lawyers to secure the funds to buy the diamond from Cartier — no matter the cost.
Their determination paid off, and the following day, the diamond was officially theirs for $1.1 million.
”I wanted that diamond because it is incomparably lovely … and it should be on the loveliest woman in the world,” Burton later said, cementing this iconic gem’s place in Hollywood history.
Bob Hope joke about Elizabeth Taylor
Comedian Bob Hope led some of the humorous presentation of films and actors nominated for the 42nd Academy Awards, bringing his signature wit to the evening.
As he acknowledged the distinguished guests in attendance, he quipped about Taylor, saying, ”I know Miss Taylor is here. I saw a Brinks truck parked outside.”
Richard Burton couldn’t help but chuckle at the clever nod to his wife’s exquisite collection of jewels.
The truth about her dress
The moment Elizabeth Taylor stepped onto the red carpet at the 1970 Academy Awards, it was as if time stood still.
The first thing that captured attention was the stunning color of her dress: a mesmerizing cornflower blue that danced between violet and lilac hues with every shift in the light — and the hundreds of flashing cameras capturing her every move.
The dress wasn’t just a piece of fabric; it was a masterpiece designed by Edith Head, meant to accentuate every inch of Taylor’s radiance.
For starters, the color choice wasn’t a coincidence. Designed by the iconic Edith Head, the gown’s shade was carefully selected to match Taylor’s own mesmerizing eyes. Taylor herself collaborated with Head, seeking an updated version of the dress she wore in the 1951 film A Place in the Sun.
The gown was more than just a fashion statement; it was a work of art. The plunging neckline perfectly framed the Taylor-Burton diamond, allowing the necklace to shine while accentuating her newly slim figure.
“It is designed to show off Elizabeth’s new, thin figure. It’s a soft, floaty, romantic chiffon. Over it, she has a soft, stole-cape to the floor in chiffon with a hood,” Edith Head told AP.
It was a look that would become etched in Oscars history, forever tied to the elegance and allure of Elizabeth Taylor.
Took a 10 minute bath
On the day of the event, Taylor’s beauty routine was reportedly refreshingly simple.
The celebrated movie star didn’t follow an elaborate skincare regimen; instead, she used a basic drugstore moisturizer.
Although she enjoyed doing her own makeup, she worked with a professional makeup artist for important occasions like the Oscars. Taylor favored a sheer foundation and soft blush, often using cake eyeliner for her eyes. Interestingly, she never wore false lashes, as she was naturally blessed with a double set of lashes.
”Elizabeth took a 10 minute bath at the end of her makeup application, to help set her makeup and relax a bit before the event,” a rep for House of Taylor told AOL.
Cried backstage
The celebrated star, one of the last of classical Hollywood cinema, had an important role during the 1970 Oscars — she was there to present the coveted Best Picture award.
However, chaos reigned behind the scenes.
Moments before her appearance, Richard Burton had just suffered a heartbreaking defeat, losing the Best Actor award to John Wayne. This marked the sixth time Burton had been nominated without clinching the iconic golden statuette, and the news hit Taylor like a thunderclap.
Devastated, she broke down in tears backstage, with witnesses recounting how the makeup artist had to rush to refresh her look before she could take the stage.
When she finally stepped onto the stage, her composure was shaky. You could see it in her eyes. As she appeared, a hush fell over the audience; you could hear a pin drop.
Despite her professionalism, the heaviness of her husband’s loss was clear as she announced the winner for Best Picture.
The man she loved had faced yet another loss, and it weighed heavily on her heart.
After-party
In his diary, Burton captures the essence of that magical night:
“Wednesday 8th: We went to the party afterward and sat with George Cukor, the Pecks, and the Chandlers (owners of the LA Times), but we were surrounded by scores of photographers who, to my delight, paid little attention to anyone else, including the winners. Barbra Streisand, who fancies herself a big star, was completely eclipsed.”
A glance at the countless photographs of Taylor from that unforgettable night makes it abundantly clear — she was the undeniable center of attention.
At the after-party, the actress and her husband was surrounded by a constellation of celebrities. Flashbulbs lit up their table like fireworks.
It was as if the paparazzi were also spellbound, struggling to focus on their task as they recognized the sheer magnitude of the moment. No longer were they mere photographers capturing dreams for glossy magazines; they found themselves entranced by the vision before them.
Many would argue that the greatest star of the 20th century shone brightest on that unforgettable night. On her left ring finger glittered yet another extravagant gift from her husband — the stunning 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring, capturing the essence of her iconic allure.
So how did this magical night end for Taylor and her entourage?
”We got out with a great difficulty because of the hordes of photographers, visiting Gig Young, who won best supporting actor, en route, who was stoned but sweet. Hawn won the supporting actress, also as predicted. We couldn’t find Duke Wayne so came home, [. . .] Later still came Wayne himself also very drunk but, in his foul-mouthed way very affable,” Burton wrote in his diary.
As the curtains fell on the 1970 Oscars, one thing was abundantly clear: Elizabeth Taylor was the undeniable star of the night. She encapsulated everything that was magical about Hollywood in the 1970s: beauty, talent, and an unyielding spirit that transcended the screen.
Reflecting on her charisma and humility, it feels entirely fitting to celebrate her in this way. She was not just a phenomenal actress but a remarkable human being who captured the hearts of many.
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I Spent Every Thanksgiving with My Husband’s Family, but the One Time We Went to Mine Turned into a Nightmare — Story of the Day
Every year, Sarah had to devise a new excuse to explain to her family why they wouldn’t be visiting. “I won’t miss a single-family holiday because of your parents!” her husband Peter always insisted. But this time, Sarah stood her ground and defended her family values.
The end of autumn and the beginning of winter had always been my favorite time of year.
Сrisp air carried the smell of woodsmoke, and the golden leaves gave way to the first frost.
It was the season when my family would gather, no matter what, to share holiday dinners and exchange thoughtful gifts.
Those gatherings were the heart of my childhood, moments of warmth and laughter that felt like nothing else in the world.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But since marrying Peter, those moments had become memories. Each year, I found myself on the phone, explaining to my parents why I couldn’t make it.
Why, once again, I’d be spending the holidays with Peter’s family instead of my own.
My mom would try to sound understanding, but I knew it hurt her. It hurt me too.
This year, though, things were going to be different. For the first time, Peter had agreed to spend Thanksgiving with my parents.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
It had taken weeks of discussion—if you could call the arguments discussions—but he finally relented.
And now, here we were, strolling through the grocery store, picking out a bottle of wine for my mom, a new roasting pan for my dad, and the ingredients for the pumpkin pie I wanted to bake.
I clutched a small bundle of festive napkins with turkeys printed on them and held them up for Peter’s opinion.
He shrugged. His lack of enthusiasm was obvious, and it had been simmering all day.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Are you okay, love?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
“Yeah. Couldn’t be better,” he said, his words dripping with sarcasm.
I sighed.
“Are you still upset about going to my parents’ house?”
He stopped walking and turned to me, his face tight with frustration. “Of course, I’m upset! Why should I skip my family’s holiday for your whims?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“My whims?” I said, my voice rising despite myself. “I’ve done this for you every single year since we started dating, Peter. Every. Year.”
“Oh, here we go,” he said with a bitter laugh. “It’s always about you, isn’t it? You didn’t like this, you didn’t like that. What about me? Why don’t you care if I’m happy?”
“Peter,” I said slowly, keeping my voice as steady as possible, “we’ve already talked about this. I just want one season with my parents. If that’s too much for you, maybe we should celebrate separately.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
His eyebrows shot up.
“Season? Are you saying you’re skipping Christmas with my family too?”
“Yes,” I replied firmly, though my stomach churned.
“This year, I’m spending the holidays with my parents.”
He laughed, a harsh, humorless sound.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Fine. Then you can explain that to my parents.”
“I will,” I said, keeping my tone quiet and even.
I felt wrung out, as if every ounce of energy had been drained by this conversation. I just wanted it to be over.
We stood in the aisle for a moment, the silence between us louder than the buzz of the fluorescent lights overhead.
He grabbed the cart handle and pushed it forward without another word.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I followed, clutching the napkins to my chest, trying to hold on to the excitement that had felt so real just hours ago.
The tension hung heavy in the car as we neared my parents’ house.
Peter gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw set in a way that warned me not to push too hard. But I couldn’t let it go entirely.
“Peter,” I started softly, “please, just be kind to my parents. They’re excited to see us, and they’re nervous about making a good impression.”
He let out a sharp laugh.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, great! Now you’re giving me instructions? Should I juggle for them too? Or maybe do a little dance?”
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “I’m not asking for much. I just want this to go well.”
“Well,” he shot back, his voice rising slightly, “maybe you should’ve just invited them to join us at my family’s house. Wouldn’t that have been easier?”
I shook my head, exasperated. “Peter, they’re old. Traveling for the holidays isn’t easy for them.”
“Great. Just perfect!” he muttered, throwing one hand up dramatically before gripping the wheel again.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The rest of the drive was silent except for the hum of the engine.
I focused on the frosty trees lining the road, trying to calm the knot in my stomach.
When we arrived, I forced a smile and rang the doorbell.
My mom, Charlotte, opened the door almost immediately, her face lighting up as she threw her arms around us.
“I’m so happy to see you! Finally, you’re here!” she exclaimed, her warmth like a balm to my nerves.
Behind her, my dad, Kevin, offered a small, reserved smile, his usual quiet presence grounding the moment.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Peter muttered a half-hearted “hello” and walked inside without eye contact.
I gave my mom an apologetic look, silently willing her to understand. Then, with a deep breath, I followed him into the house.
Inside the warm glow of the house, my mom and I moved around the dining room, setting the table with care.
The soft clatter of plates and the occasional hum of her voice filled the space as we arranged the dishes.
In the living room, Peter sat stiffly on the couch, his arms crossed, while my dad quietly flipped through a magazine beside him.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Mom glanced toward Peter, her movements slowing. “Is Peter okay?” she asked softly. “He seems… upset.”
I hesitated, trying to find the right words.
“He’s just… frustrated, I think,” I said finally, keeping my voice low. “He wishes we were spending the holiday with his family.”
Her hands paused mid-air, holding a serving spoon. “Oh,” she said, her tone tinged with confusion and sadness. “Did we do something wrong?”
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“No, Mom,” I said quickly. “It’s not you. It’s just—” I stopped, unsure how to explain the unspoken tension between Peter and me. “It’s complicated.”
She looked at me, her brows drawn together.
“We’re not family to him?” she asked quietly, almost to herself.
Her words hit me like a cold wind. I didn’t know how to respond.
Was that how Peter saw it? My family, my parents—were they nothing to him? The thought stung more than I wanted to admit.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’m sorry,” I murmured, though I wasn’t sure what I was apologizing for. For Peter’s mood? For his indifference? For years I’d put my family on hold for his?
Mom placed a hand on my arm, her touch warm and steady.
“You don’t have to apologize, sweetheart,” she said gently.
But her eyes still held a shadow of hurt, and it lingered in the air as we finished setting the table in silence.
The table was set beautifully, with crisp white linens, shining silverware, and the aroma of roasted turkey filling the room.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
My mom, Charlotte, stood back to admire her work before clapping her hands.
“Everything’s ready! Come and eat!” she said with cheerful warmth, her voice echoing into the quiet living room.
We all gathered around the table. My dad, Kevin, pulled out my mom’s chair for her, and I couldn’t help but smile at his small gesture of old-fashioned chivalry.
Peter followed sluggishly, barely making an effort to engage, and slumped into his seat with a sigh.
The meal began, but the air was tense like a storm waiting to break. My mom tried valiantly to spark a conversation.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“So, Peter,” she started brightly, “how’s work going? Busy this time of year?”
He gave a noncommittal grunt, stabbing a piece of turkey with his fork.
“Dad’s been working on the deck in the backyard,” I chimed in, trying to fill the silence. “It’s really coming together.”
My dad nodded. “It’s slow, but it keeps me busy. Maybe you could come by and give me some tips, Peter.”
Peter didn’t even look up. “Yeah, maybe,” he muttered, flicking a crumb off the table.
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Peter,” I said softly, leaning toward him, “what’s wrong? Can I help?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He dropped his fork onto his plate with a clatter and leaned back in his chair. “Everything’s wrong!” he snapped, his voice loud enough to make my mom flinch.
“How is this even Thanksgiving without my mom’s chocolate pudding?”
“Pudding?” my mom echoed, her voice unsure, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for her glass of water.
“It’s fine,” I interjected quickly, trying to calm the situation. “His mom always makes it for him. It’s no big deal.”
Peter scoffed, his eyes blazing. “No big deal? Of course! Because nothing I want ever matters. It’s always about Sarah, isn’t it? What Sarah wants. What Sarah needs.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Peter, please,” I begged, my voice cracking. “This is supposed to be a happy day.”
He pushed his chair back, the chair’s legs screeching against the floor. “Listen, I’m done! We’re leaving. Get your coat, Sarah!”
“NO, YOU LISTEN!” my dad shouted after Peter, jumping up from his chair. But Peter just ignored him and walked right past! I saw my dad clutch his chest.
The weight of the moment pressed on me as I stood slowly. My mom’s eyes brimmed with tears.
“I’m so sorry, honey,” she said, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, Mom,” I said, my throat tightening. “I’m sorry. I’ll fix this.”
I walked to the doorway, where Peter stood waiting, arms crossed.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Put your coat on! We’re leaving!” he barked.
“No,” I said, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. “You’re leaving. I’m staying.”
“What? You’re my wife. You’re supposed to listen to me!”
I took a deep breath, meeting his glare.
“You don’t respect my parents, you don’t respect me, and behaving like this, you don’t even respect yourself. I’ve put up with your selfishness for years, hoping the loving man I married was still there. But now, I don’t believe he is.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You want to talk about respect?” he sputtered, disbelief written all over his face.
“Yes,” I said, my voice steady. “Leave, Peter. It’s over.”
His mouth opened, but no words came. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
I returned to the dining room, my heart pounding, and found my parents sitting quietly, their faces a mixture of sadness and concern.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I’m sorry, Mom. Dad,” I said, my voice soft but resolute.
“I let this go on for too long. But not anymore.”
Charlotte stood and wrapped me in a warm hug. “You’re home now. That’s all that matters,” she whispered.
For the first time in years, I felt free. I had chosen the family that truly mattered and wouldn’t trade them for anything.
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