Why is the 1975 Oscars still stirring debate and emotions?
Looking back at vintage Oscar images, particularly from the 1970s, sends shivers down my spine.
Those photographs have an almost frightening quality to them; they inspire recollections of a different era, a different America, when the Academy Awards were genuinely worth watching. Back then, our celebrities radiated class, splendor, beauty, and elegance.
It’s sh0cking to see so many wonderful stars who are no longer with us, reminding us of how short life can be. I used to know every nomination, movie, and song. Nowadays, I’m struggling to stay up.
Someone once claimed that the 1975 ceremony was “back when actors and actresses had class and no political agenda,” and while this may not be totally accurate, it does feel like we’ve lost something significant.
So let’s go back to the 47th Academy Awards and focus on one specific shot that has recently stirred heated debate. What is it about this photograph that has everyone talking?
”Ugl:y” and ”grotesque”
It’s difficult to talk the 1975 Oscars without discussing Dustin Hoffman. The renowned actor, now 87, undoubtedly dominated the pre-show buzz — albeit not in the way many might think.
Hoffman, who was nominated for his gripping performance in Lenny, a biographical film about comic Lenny Bruce, was not looking forward to the ceremony. Known for his outspoken criticism of the Academy, he described the event as garish and unpleasant, even going so far as to call it “ug:ly” and “grotesque,” comparing it to a beauty contest.
This emotion inspired host Bob Hope to joke, “If Dustin Hoffman wins tonight, he’s going to have a friend pick it up for him — George C. Scott,” alluding to Scott’s own unwillingness to take his Oscar in 1971.
While Hoffman didn’t win the Best Actor Oscar that night, Frank Sinatra, one of the evening’s hosts, took a shot at him. Sinatra, noted for his magnetism, made an unnecessary jab that fell flat with the audience.
Sinatra fluffed his lines
It appears Sinatra had a difficult night at the 47th Academy Awards.
In 1975, reviews were overwhelmingly negative. According to renowned film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times, the audience booed Sinatra during the event.
He seemed slightly tipsy and fluffed his lines, making “several pointed, tasteless references to his fellow Italian-Americans.”
”It was an embarrassing spectacle,” Ebert wrote.
However, more contentious events were set to unfold that evening.
The speech that infuriated Bob Hope
Speaking of how award shows were apparently less political in the past, there’s a story from the 1975 Oscars that completely defies that notion. The Vietnam War was nearing its end in April of that year, and this was evident throughout the evening.
When documentary director Bert Schneider took the stage to accept the Best Documentary prize for Hearts & Minds, he couldn’t help but put Vietnam to the forefront. He commented: “It’s ironic that we’re here at a time just before Vietnam is about to be liberated.” This was unsurprising given that his critical documentary focused on the Vietnam War.
However, things got out of hand when Schneider read a telegram from Viet Cong Ambassador Dinh Ba Thi expressing “Greetings of Friendship to All American People”.
The telegram commended the anti-war movement “for all they have done on behalf of peace,” which offended Oscar emcee Bob Hope, a longstanding supporter of the Vietnam War.
Fired back
Unwilling to let it go, Hope penned a telegram an hour later that Frank Sinatra read to the divided audience: ”The academy is saying, ‘We are not responsible for any political references made on the program, and we are sorry they had to take place this evening.’”
This speech infuriated Shirley MacLaine, one of the co-hosts, and actor Warren Beatty. Beatty sarcastically said, “Thank you, Frank, you old Republican.” MacLaine made her own scathing remark, stating, ”You said you were speaking for the Academy. Well, I’m a member of the Academy and you didn’t ask me!”
In retrospect, some individuals thought Bert Schneider’s comments were relatively tame. Those who knew him observed that his remarks at the 1975 Oscars were unexpectedly subdued, especially given how vociferous he could be over the Vietnam War at times.
Collective showbusiness guilt
Ingrid Bergman is well-known, and she received the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 1975 Academy Awards for her portrayal of Greta Ohlsson in Murder on the Orient Express. At 59, she received a standing ovation from the appreciative audience, but her emotions were mixed.
Bergman delivered a contrite and regretful acceptance speech, noting that actress Valentina Cortese deserved the award more than she did.
Bergman believed she won the Oscar in part because Hollywood still felt guilty over turning its back on her in 1949, following her scandalous romance with filmmaker Roberto Rossellini.
A striking moment
The 1975 Academy Awards, held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, were genuinely memorable.
It had everything—elegance, renowned stars, political intrigue, and unforgettable flicks like The Godfather Part II that dominated the night. Looking back, it feels like the pinnacle of Hollywood’s golden age, when superstars exuded a charm and grace that is uncommon now.
It’s hardly surprise that the gala is still being spoken about. Even after nearly 50 years, one photograph has piqued people’s interest.
The photograph, which features two of Hollywood’s most legendary individuals, Jon Voight and Raquel Welch, continues to elicit interest because it wonderfully captures the beauty and sensuality of that age. However, the image has drawn some criticism.
On that spectacular evening, Jon Voight was dressed to the nines in a classic black tuxedo, standing opposite the stunning Raquel Welch, who shimmered in a dark pink gown that defied gravity. They appeared together on stage to accept the Best Cinematography award. Though neither of the renowned actors received nominations that night, they made a strong impression on the red carpet.
”Jon’s looking like a creep”
The photograph from this occasion has subsequently gone viral on social media.
While most people love this iconic image, some commenters have questioned Voight’s hold on Raquel Welch, stating that it appears inappropriate. ”Jon’s looking like a creep. Raquel doesn’t look comfortable. Unless they were a couple—that’s well creepy,” one woman remarked. Another added: ”She looks like he is touching her without her consent 🥺.”
However, several have supported the photo and Voight:
“I was a young woman at the time, and having a man hold me like this at an event or elsewhere happened often and was fine. It could feel very good, but of course, some guys were nicer than others—some sleazy ones—but no big deal. Some of the outraged sentiment here just makes me laugh. Lighten up, people!” one commenter stated.
Another chimed in: “Everybody’s so critical. If you were not around at that time, you have no opinion. If you were around then, you know there is zero wrong with this photo! Gezz, people….”
What do you think? Is this snapshot a charming glimpse into the past, or does it reveal uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics in Hollywood? Let’s keep the conversation going — and share this article on Facebook!