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How Elizabeth Taylor brought paparazzi to their knees at the 1970 Oscars

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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