Looking back at old Oscars photos, especially from the 1970s, gives me a nostalgic feeling.
There’s something almost haunting about those pictures — they bring back memories of a different e, a different America, when the Academy Awards felt truly exciting. Back then, our celebrities had a sense of class, glamour, beauty, and elegance.
It’s surprising to see so many amazing stars who are no longer with us, reminding us how short life really is. I used to know every nominee, every movie, and every song. Now, it’s hard for me to keep up.
Someone once said the 1975 Oscars were “back when actors and actresses had class and no political agenda.” While that might not be completely true, it does feel like we’ve lost something important over time.
Let’s take a look back at the 47th Academy Awards and focus on a particular photo that has sparked lots of discussion recently. What is it about this image that has people talking?
**”Ugly” and ”grotesque”**
It’s impossible to talk about the 1975 Oscars without mentioning Dustin Hoffman. The legendary actor, now 87, made headlines before the show — though maybe not in the way people expected.
Hoffman was nominated for his incredible role in *Lenny*, a movie about comedian Lenny Bruce. However, he wasn’t very excited to attend the ceremony. Known for criticizing the Academy, he called the event “garish” and “embarrassing.” He even described it as “ugly” and “grotesque,” comparing it to a beauty pageant.
Host Bob Hope joked, “If Dustin Hoffman wins tonight, he’ll have a friend pick it up for him — George C. Scott,” referring to Scott’s refusal to accept his Oscar in 1971.
Although Hoffman didn’t win the Best Actor award that night, it didn’t stop Frank Sinatra, one of the evening’s hosts, from taking a shot at him. Known for his charm, Sinatra made a joke at Hoffman’s expense, but it didn’t land well with the audience.
**Sinatra fluffed his lines**
It seems Sinatra had a tough time at the 47th Academy Awards.
Reviews from 1975 were harsh. Famous film critic Roger Ebert from the *Chicago Sun-Times* even reported that the audience booed Sinatra during the show.
He seemed a bit drunk and messed up his lines, making “several pointed, tasteless references to his fellow Italian-Americans.”
“It was an embarrassing spectacle,” Ebert wrote.
But more controversial moments were still to come that night.
**The speech that upset Bob Hope**
Speaking of how the award shows were supposedly less political in the past, there’s a story from the 1975 Oscars that strongly disagrees with that idea. In April of that year, the Vietnam War was just about to end, and it was a topic felt throughout the evening.
When documentary filmmaker Bert Schneider took the stage to accept the Best Documentary award for *Hearts & Minds*, he couldn’t resist mentioning Vietnam. He said, “It’s ironic that we’re here at a time just before Vietnam is about to be liberated.” This wasn’t too surprising, given that his documentary was about the Vietnam War.
However, things took a turn when Schneider read a telegram from Viet Cong Ambassador Dinh Ba Thi, which said, “Greetings of Friendship to All American People.”
The telegram thanked the anti-war movement “for all they have done on behalf of peace,” and that was too much for Oscar host Bob Hope, who had always supported the Vietnam War.
**Fired back**
Not willing to let it go, an hour later, Hope sent a telegram 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 message angered Shirley MacLaine, one of the co-hosts, as well as actor Warren Beatty. Beatty sarcastically responded, “Thank you, Frank, you old Republican.” MacLaine added, “You said you were speaking for the Academy. Well, I’m a member of the Academy and you didn’t ask me!”
Looking back, some people felt that Bert Schneider’s comments were not that strong. Those who knew him said his words at the 1975 Oscars were surprisingly calm, especially since he was usually very outspoken about the Vietnam War.
**Collective showbusiness guilt**
Ingrid Bergman needs no introduction. At the 1975 Academy Awards, the legendary Swedish actress won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Greta Ohlsson in *Murder on the Orient Express*. At 59, she received a standing ovation from the audience, but her feelings were mixed.
Presented by Katharine Ross and Peter Falk, Bergman gave a humble acceptance speech, saying that actress Valentina Cortese deserved the award more than she did.
Bergman believed she won the Oscar partly because Hollywood still felt guilty for turning its back on her in 1949 after her scandalous affair with director Roberto Rossellini.
**A striking moment**
The 1975 Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, was truly memorable.
It had everything—elegance, famous stars, political drama, and unforgettable films like *The Godfather Part II* dominating the night. Looking back, it seems like the height of Hollywood’s golden age, when celebrities had a charm and grace that’s rare today.
It’s no wonder this gala is still talked about, especially one photo that continues to attract attention, even after almost 50 years.
The photo, showing two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Jon Voight and Raquel Welch, continues to spark conversation because it perfectly shows the elegance and charm of that time. However, the image has also faced some criticism.
On that glamorous night, Jon Voight was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, standing next to the stunning Raquel Welch, who wore a dark pink gown that seemed to defy gravity. Together, they presented the award for Best Cinematography. Though neither actor was nominated that night, they made a strong impression on the red carpet.
**”Jon’s looking like a creep”**
The photo from this event has gone viral on social media.
While many people love this iconic image, some commenters have raised concerns, saying that Voight’s hold on Raquel Welch looks inappropriate. “Jon’s looking like a creep. Raquel doesn’t look comfortable. Unless they were a couple—that’s well creepy,” one woman wrote. Another commented, “She looks like he is touching her without her consent 🥺.”
However, many people defended 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 outrage here just makes me laugh. Lighten up, people!” one commenter said.
Another added: “Everybody’s so critical. If you weren’t around at that time, you have no opinion. If you were there, you know there’s nothing wrong with this photo! Geez, people….”
What do you think? Is this photo a charming look at the past, or does it show uncomfortable truths about gender in Hollywood? Let’s keep the conversation going — and share this article on Facebook!
