The 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 was a night of elegance, but one star undoubtedly outshone the rest.
At 38, Elizabeth Taylor was in the prime of her beauty, and her stunning gown, along with the legendary diamond adorning her neck, made the evening unforgettable.
Yet, behind the glamour, a heartbreaking loss loomed, threatening to overshadow the festivities…
Looking back at past Oscars ceremonies feels like stepping into a time capsule, transporting you to an era of unmatched grace and sophistication. Honestly, the stars from that era exuded more class in their pinky fingers than many modern celebrities combined.
I can’t help but feel nostalgic. It’s bittersweet to look at these iconic figures, so many of whom are no longer with us. It serves as a powerful reminder of how fleeting life is—a brief, beautiful journey that deserves to be treasured every step of the way.
A Historic Night
The 1970 Academy Awards was a night to remember for several reasons, including the absence of an official host. But perhaps most notably, it marked a significant milestone in Oscars history as the first ceremony broadcast via satellite to a global audience.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was when Cary Grant was honored with the Academy Honorary Award. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to his enduring charm and monumental impact on cinema.
Another emotional highlight came when John Wayne accepted the Best Actor Oscar for his role in True Grit. The legendary American actor delivered a heartfelt and humble speech, expressing genuine gratitude for the prestigious honor.
However, the evening wasn’t without controversy. To this day, many consider it one of the biggest snubs in Oscars history when Dustin Hoffman was passed over for his powerful performance in Midnight Cowboy. Some argue that Wayne’s win was more about his long-standing contribution to the film industry, a point that may hold some truth.
Sinatra to the Rescue: How Frank Sinatra Saved Cary Grant
Looking back through the archives, it’s evident that Cary Grant played a key role during the 1970 Oscars. As the legendary actor took the stage to accept the Academy Honorary Award, he, of course, expected a round of applause — a standard gesture of recognition.
But when the audience rose to give him a standing ovation, Grant was completely overwhelmed.
“In that moment, when everyone stood up, I was completely at a loss,” he later recalled. “I thought I was seeing things. I was so stunned, I don’t even remember how I managed to give my acceptance speech.”
Grant was on the verge of tears, struggling to hold it together. But at that very moment, he caught sight of Frank Sinatra in the crowd, his eyes sparkling with that signature mischievous glint. It only took that one glance to calm him.
“It brought me back,” Grant said, reflecting on the powerful effect of his friend’s reassuring presence.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dazzling Entrance
Let’s be honest, while Cary Grant, Dustin Hoffman, and John Wayne made their marks, the true star of the 1970 Oscars was a 38-year-old beauty who effortlessly captured the spotlight—Elizabeth Taylor.
When she stepped onto the stage to present the award for Best Picture, it wasn’t just her presence that turned heads, it was the sheer magnetism she radiated.
Her kindness and generosity stood in stark contrast to the often ruthless nature of Hollywood. As the saying went, “Liz Taylor, no one ever as beautiful,” and that was more than just a compliment—it was a reflection of her undeniable allure.
Elizabeth wore a breathtaking gown that perfectly accentuated her tiny waist and natural beauty—without the heavy tan that was so popular at the time. As she graced the stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, all eyes were on her.
And of course, her world-famous 69-carat Cartier diamond sparkled around her neck, cementing the fact that Elizabeth Taylor was not just an actress. She was a true icon.
The Truth Behind Her Diamond
Looking at the photos of Elizabeth Taylor from that unforgettable night, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the dazzling diamond adorning her neck. But behind this iconic jewel lies a story filled with love, determination, and a dash of Hollywood drama.
The glittering Taylor-Burton Diamond, which gleamed so beautifully against her skin, was much more than just an accessory. It symbolized the passionate relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, actor Richard Burton.
Just days before the Oscars on April 7, 1970, rumors swirled about what Elizabeth would wear to the star-studded event. The press buzzed with speculation that she would dazzle the audience with her million-dollar diamond, recently set in a stunning necklace.
To showcase the priceless gem, Taylor reportedly paid a hefty $2,500 insurance premium to three Australian companies—a sum that would be equivalent to approximately $20,250 today.
This remarkable diamond, weighing a staggering 68 carats, was a gift from Burton—a token of his love, as well as a symbol of the couple’s passionate and often turbulent relationship.
A Raving Maniac
The original rough diamond, discovered in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighed a staggering 241 carats. When Richard Burton first saw the diamond in London, he was determined to make it his. However, Cartier had won the diamond at auction for a record-breaking $1,050,000, leaving Burton as the underbidder.
Furious over his loss, Burton transformed into a raving maniac.
“I was going to get that diamond if it cost me my life or $2 million, whichever was greater,” he declared.
Yet Elizabeth Taylor remained calm and composed.
“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 very next day, Burton spent hours at a payphone in his London hotel, working with his lawyers to secure the funds necessary to buy the diamond from Cartier—no matter the cost. His determination paid off, and by 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, forever cementing the gem’s iconic place in Hollywood history.
Bob Hope’s Joke About Elizabeth Taylor
Comedian Bob Hope brought his signature wit to the 42nd Academy Awards, adding some humorous flair to the evening as he presented films and actors nominated for Oscars. As he acknowledged the distinguished guests in attendance, he couldn’t resist a playful quip about Elizabeth Taylor.
“I know Miss Taylor is here. I saw a Brinks truck parked outside,” Hope joked, referencing her world-renowned collection of jewels.
Richard Burton, ever the good sport, couldn’t help but chuckle at the clever remark aimed at his wife’s exquisite treasures.
The Truth About Her Dress
The moment Elizabeth Taylor stepped onto the red carpet at the 1970 Academy Awards, it was as if time itself paused to admire her beauty.
The first thing that caught everyone’s eye was the stunning color of her dress: a captivating cornflower blue that shimmered between violet and lilac with every shift in the light and flash of the cameras.
But her gown wasn’t just about the color; it was a true masterpiece, designed by the legendary Edith Head. Carefully chosen to complement Taylor’s own mesmerizing eyes, the color of the dress was not a coincidence. Taylor herself had worked with Head to craft a modern take on the gown she wore in the 1951 film A Place in the Sun.
The gown was more than just a fashion statement — it was an artful creation. The plunging neckline framed the iconic Taylor-Burton diamond perfectly, allowing the necklace to shine while highlighting 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 explained to the AP.
The look became instantly iconic, forever tied to the elegance, glamour, and timeless allure of Elizabeth Taylor.
Took a 10-Minute Bath
On the day of the 1970 Academy Awards, Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty routine was refreshingly simple.
Rather than following a complex skincare regimen, the iconic movie star opted for a basic drugstore moisturizer. Although she preferred doing her own makeup, she enlisted the help of a professional makeup artist for significant events like the Oscars. Taylor favored a sheer foundation with soft blush and often used cake eyeliner to accentuate her eyes. Interestingly, she never wore false lashes, as she was naturally gifted 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 from House of Taylor shared with AOL.
Cried Backstage
At the 1970 Oscars, Elizabeth Taylor had a significant role: she was there to present the prestigious Best Picture award. However, behind the scenes, chaos was unfolding.
Just before her appearance, Richard Burton, her beloved husband, suffered a devastating loss. He had lost the Best Actor award to John Wayne, marking the sixth time he had been nominated without winning the coveted golden statuette. The news hit Taylor hard.
Devastated, she broke down backstage, and witnesses recall how her makeup artist had to rush to touch up her look before she could take the stage.
When she finally emerged on stage, her composure was fragile, and the emotional weight of her husband’s loss was evident in her eyes. As she announced the winner for Best Picture, the audience fell silent — you could hear a pin drop.
Despite her professionalism, the pain of Burton’s loss was palpable, and it was clear that her heart weighed heavily with the sadness of his defeat.
After-Party
In his diary, Richard Burton captures the magic of that unforgettable 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.”
Looking at the countless photos from that night, it’s clear — Elizabeth Taylor was the undeniable center of attention.
At the after-party, Taylor and her husband were surrounded by a galaxy of stars. Flashbulbs lit up their table, like fireworks illuminating the moment.
It was as if the paparazzi, too, were entranced by the sheer magnitude of it all, finding themselves momentarily awestruck by the vision before them. No longer were they just photographers capturing moments for glossy magazines; they were caught in the spell of an icon.
Many would argue that on this night, the greatest star of the 20th century truly shone its brightest. On her left ring finger, sparkling with the same brilliance, was yet another extravagant gift from Richard Burton — the dazzling 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring, embodying the essence of her iconic allure.
So, how did this magical night end for Elizabeth and her entourage?
“We got out with great difficulty because of the hordes of photographers. We stopped to visit Gig Young, who had won Best Supporting Actor, en route — he was stoned but sweet. Goldie Hawn won Best Supporting Actress, just as predicted. We couldn’t find Duke Wayne, so we headed home… Later, Wayne himself appeared, very drunk but, in his foul-mouthed way, very affable,” Burton later wrote in his diary.