Reflecting on vintage Oscars photos—especially those from the 1970s—sends a nostalgic shiver down my spine. There’s an almost eerie quality to these images, evoking memories of a bygone era and a different America when the Academy Awards truly captivated audiences. Back then, celebrities radiated class, glamour, and elegance, and it’s poignant to see so many incredible stars who are no longer with us—a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature. I once knew every nominee, film, and song by heart; now, I can barely keep track.
Someone once remarked that the 1975 ceremony was held “back when actors and actresses had class and no political agenda.” While that might not be entirely accurate, it certainly feels as if something vital has been lost over the years. Let’s journey back to the 47th Academy Awards and zero in on one photo that has recently ignited intense discussions. What is it about this image that continues to capture people’s attention?
No conversation about the 1975 Oscars is complete without mentioning Dustin Hoffman. Now 87, the iconic actor dominated pre-show chatter—though not necessarily in a conventional way. Nominated for his riveting role in Lenny, a biopic about comedian Lenny Bruce, Hoffman wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about attending the ceremony. Known for his candid critiques of the Academy, he described the event as garish and embarrassing, even calling it “ugly” and “grotesque,” likening it to a beauty pageant. His remarks prompted host Bob Hope to joke that if Hoffman won, “he’s going to have a friend pick it up for him — George C. Scott,” alluding to Scott’s refusal to accept his Oscar in 1971.
Though Hoffman didn’t walk away with the Best Actor award, that didn’t stop Frank Sinatra—one of the evening’s hosts—from taking a jab at him. Sinatra, celebrated for his charm, delivered a disparaging remark that fell flat, and it turned out to be a rough night for him at the 47th Academy Awards. Film critic Roger Ebert noted that the audience even booed Sinatra, who appeared slightly tipsy and stumbled through his lines with several tasteless references to his fellow Italian-Americans, making for an “embarrassing spectacle.” And this was just one of the many controversial moments that unfolded that night.
Contrary to the notion that past ceremonies were less political, a notable incident at the 1975 Oscars tells a different story. In April 1975, with the Vietnam War nearing its end, the tension was palpable. When documentary filmmaker Bert Schneider accepted the Best Documentary award for Hearts & Minds, he couldn’t resist drawing attention to the war, remarking on the irony of celebrating just before Vietnam’s liberation. Matters escalated when Schneider read a telegram from Viet Cong Ambassador Dinh Ba Thi, which expressed “Greetings of Friendship to All American People” and thanked the anti-war movement for its efforts toward peace. This act incensed host Bob Hope—a staunch supporter of the war—who later sent a telegram read by Frank Sinatra, stating, “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 response provoked sharp retorts from co-hosts Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty.
Then there’s Ingrid Bergman, whose legacy hardly needs introduction. At the 1975 Academy Awards, the legendary Swedish actress won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Murder on the Orient Express. At 59, she received a standing ovation, though her emotions were mixed. In her humble, almost apologetic acceptance speech—presented by Katharine Ross and Peter Falk—she graciously suggested that Valentina Cortese was more deserving of the award. Bergman felt that Hollywood’s lingering guilt over having ostracized her in 1949, following her scandalous affair with Roberto Rossellini, partly contributed to her win.
The 1975 Oscars at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was truly a night to remember. It featured elegance, iconic stars, political intrigue, and unforgettable films like The Godfather Part II dominating the evening. In hindsight, it represents the pinnacle of Hollywood’s golden era—a time when celebrities exuded a charm and grace that seems rare today. It’s hardly surprising that the gala is still a hot topic of conversation, especially due to one photograph that has sparked a flurry of discussion even after nearly fifty years.
This particular image features Jon Voight and Raquel Welch posing backstage after presenting the Best Cinematography award. Voight, clad in a classic black tuxedo, and Welch, radiant in a gravity-defying dark pink gown, made a striking impression on the red carpet despite neither being nominated that night. The photo perfectly encapsulates the elegance and allure of that era. However, it has also drawn criticism on social media. Some commenters claim that Voight’s embrace of Welch appears inappropriate—one person even commented, “Jon’s looking like a creep. Raquel doesn’t look comfortable. Unless they were a couple—that’s well creepy,” while another suggested, “She looks like he is touching her without her consent.”
Despite these critiques, many have defended both the photograph and Voight. One commenter recalled, “I was a young woman back then, and it was common for a man to hold a woman like that at events—it often felt very nice. Sure, some guys were sleazy, but overall, it wasn’t a big deal. The outrage now just makes me laugh. Lighten up, people!” Another added, “Everyone’s so critical. If you weren’t there, you have no right to judge. Those who experienced it know there’s nothing wrong with this photo!”
The 1975 Oscars remains a powerful reminder of a time when Hollywood dazzled with unmatched glamour, political tensions simmered beneath the surface, and even the most iconic images could spark debate.