Elizabeth Taylor captivated at the 1970 Oscars.
The 42nd Academy Awards ceremony in 1970 was a night full of glamour, but one star undoubtedly shone brighter than all the rest.
At just 38 years old, Elizabeth Taylor was at the peak of her beauty, and her fabulous dress along with the world-famous diamond sparkling around her neck made the night truly special.
However, behind the scenes, a heartbreaking loss threatened to overshadow everything…
Remembering the old Oscar ceremonies is like stepping into a time machine that transports you to an era filled with glamour and elegance.
Honestly, the stars of that time had more class than many of today’s so-called celebrities combined.
I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia washing over me. It’s bittersweet to look at these iconic figures, many of whom are no longer with us.
To me, it’s a stark reminder of how fleeting life is—a short and beautiful journey that we must cherish every moment of.
A Historic Night
The 1970 Academy Awards ceremony was memorable for many reasons, most notably the absence of an official host.
It also marked a groundbreaking moment in Oscar history, as it was the first ceremony broadcast via satellite to an international audience.
One of the most iconic moments of the night was when Cary Grant received the Honorary Academy Award.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause—a heartfelt tribute to his timeless charm and remarkable legacy in film.
Meanwhile, John Wayne’s acceptance speech for Best Actor for his role in True Grit was also captivating. The legendary American delivered a humble and gracious speech, showing his genuine gratitude.
However, the evening was not without controversy. Many still argue that one of the greatest snubs in Oscar history occurred when Dustin Hoffman was overlooked for his stunning performance in Midnight Cowboy.
Some might say Wayne received the award for his long and loyal service to the film industry—and there may be some truth to that.
Sinatra Saved Cary Grant
Looking back at the archives, it’s clear that Cary Grant played a central role during the 1970 Oscars.
When the legendary actor stepped onto the stage to accept his Honorary Award, he expected some applause—a simple courtesy—but when the audience gave him a massive standing ovation, he was visibly moved to the brink of tears.
“When everyone stood up, I was bewildered. For a moment I thought I was seeing things. I was so confused that I don’t know how I managed to deliver my acceptance speech,” he later recalled.
Grant was nearly overwhelmed with emotion.
But at that moment, he spotted Frank Sinatra in the crowd, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint—and that quick glance was all he needed to steady himself. “He helped me regain my composure,” Grant said.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Entrance
But let’s be honest—the true star of the 1970 Oscars wasn’t Cary Grant, Dustin Hoffman, or even John Wayne.
As extraordinary as they were, it was a 38-year-old beauty who truly became the center of attention that night, captivating everyone at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California.
When Elizabeth Taylor stepped onto the stage to present the Best Picture award, her entrance was mesmerizing.
Her kindness and generosity stood in stark contrast to Hollywood’s often ruthless nature. “Liz Taylor—no one has ever been as beautiful as she is,” people said, and it was true.
There was a genuine aura about her that drew people in.
Wearing a stunning dress that hugged her tiny waist and highlighted her natural beauty—along with the deep tan that was popular at the time—she left everyone in awe at the 42nd Academy Awards.
And with her world-famous 69-carat Cartier diamond sparkling around her neck, it was clear that Elizabeth wasn’t just an actress—she was an icon.
The Truth About Her Diamond
Looking closely at photos of Taylor that night, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the magnificent jewel around her neck. Yet few may know the story behind this iconic piece.
The Taylor-Burton diamond, shining so beautifully against her skin, was not 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 speculation about what Elizabeth Taylor would wear.
Rumors spread that she planned to dazzle the audience with her million-dollar diamond, newly set in a stunning necklace.
For the privilege of displaying it, Taylor reportedly paid an insurance premium of $2,500 to three Australian companies—equivalent to about $20,250 today.
This piece, known as the Taylor-Burton diamond, weighed an impressive 68 carats and was a gift from her husband, actor Richard Burton.
A Delirious Obsession
The original rough diamond, discovered in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighed 241 carats. Burton acquired it during a trip to London—but not without a fight.
Initially, the jeweler Cartier won the diamond at auction for a record $1,050,000, leaving Burton as the underbidder.
Furious at losing it, Burton became almost obsessed. “I was going to get that diamond even if it cost me my life or two million dollars—whichever was greater,” he declared.
Elizabeth, however, remained calm.
“Elizabeth was as sweet as only she could be and told him it didn’t matter, that she didn’t mind not having it, that there was much more to life than trinkets, and she would make do with what she had,” Burton later wrote in his diary.
The day after the auction, Burton spent hours on a public phone in his London hotel, working with his lawyers to secure the funds to buy the diamond from Cartier—no matter the cost.
His determination paid off, and the next day the diamond was officially his for $1.1 million. “I wanted that diamond because it is incomparably beautiful… and it should be on the most beautiful woman in the world,” Burton later said.
Bob Hope’s Joke
Comedian Bob Hope hosted several humorous presentations during the ceremony. Greeting the distinguished guests, he joked about Taylor:
“I know Miss Taylor is here—I saw a Brinks truck parked outside.”
Richard Burton couldn’t help but laugh at the clever nod to his wife’s extraordinary jewelry collection.
The Truth About Her Dress
The moment Elizabeth Taylor stepped onto the red carpet, it was as if time stood still.
The first thing that caught everyone’s attention was the stunning color of her dress—a mesmerizing cornflower blue that shifted between violet and lilac tones with every change of light, while camera flashes captured her every movement.
The dress was not just fabric—it was a masterpiece designed by Edith Head to accentuate every inch of Taylor’s radiance.
The color was carefully chosen to match her striking 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 deep neckline perfectly framed the Taylor-Burton diamond, allowing the necklace to shine while highlighting her slimmer figure.
“It is designed to show Elizabeth’s new, slender figure. It’s a soft, airy, romantic chiffon, with a floor-length hooded cape,” Edith Head told the AP.
A Simple Beauty Routine
On the day of the event, Taylor’s beauty routine was refreshingly simple. She didn’t follow an elaborate skincare regimen, instead using a basic drugstore moisturizer.
Although she enjoyed doing her own makeup, she worked with a professional makeup artist for important occasions like the Oscars.
She preferred a sheer foundation, soft blush, and often wore pastel eyeliner. Interestingly, she never wore false eyelashes—she was naturally blessed with beautiful ones.
“Elizabeth took a 10-minute bath at the end of her makeup routine to help set it and relax before the event,” a House of Taylor representative told AOL.
Tears Behind the Scenes
Despite her poise, there was chaos behind the scenes.
Moments before her appearance, Richard Burton had just suffered a heartbreaking loss, losing the Best Actor award to John Wayne.
It was the sixth time Burton had been nominated without winning, and the news hit Taylor hard.
Devastated, she burst into tears backstage, and witnesses said her makeup artist had to quickly touch up her appearance before she went on stage.
When she finally appeared, her composure was fragile—you could see it in her eyes. The audience fell silent.
Despite her professionalism, the weight of her husband’s loss was evident as she announced the Best Picture winner.
The After-Party
In his diary, Burton captured the essence of that magical night:
“We went to the after-party and sat with George Cukor, the Pecks, and the Chandlers (owners of the LA Times), but we were surrounded by dozens of photographers who, to my delight, paid little attention to anyone else—including the winners. Barbra Streisand, who considers herself a major star, was completely eclipsed.”
A glance at the many photos of Taylor from that night makes one thing clear—she was the undeniable center of attention.
The flashes lit up her table like fireworks.
Even the paparazzi seemed mesmerized, struggling to focus on their work as they recognized the magnitude of the moment.
Many would say the greatest star of the 20th century shone brightest that night. On her left ring finger sparkled another extravagant gift from Burton—the stunning 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring.
As Burton later wrote:
“We struggled through hordes of photographers, stopping to visit Gig Young, who had won Best Supporting Actor, and Goldie Hawn, who won Best Supporting Actress.
We couldn’t find Duke Wayne, so we went home… Later Wayne himself arrived, very drunk but, in his own rough way, very friendly.”
A Star Above All
When the curtain fell on the 1970 Oscars, one thing was clear: Elizabeth Taylor was the undisputed star of the night.
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She embodied everything magical about Hollywood in the 1970s—beauty, talent, and an unbreakable spirit that transcended the screen.
Reflecting on her charisma and humility, it feels entirely fitting to celebrate her this way. She was not just a wonderful actress, but an extraordinary human being who captivated the hearts of many.
