The 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 was a dazzling night of glitz and glamor, but amid the shining stars, one woman stood out like no other. At just 38 years old, Elizabeth Taylor was the epitome of elegance and beauty, captivating everyone in attendance with her stunning gown and the legendary diamond that sparkled magnificently around her neck. Her entrance alone made the evening unforgettable. Yet, behind the scenes, a personal heartbreak quietly loomed, threatening to overshadow the excitement of the evening.
Watching old footage of the Oscars feels like taking a step back in time, into an era where grace and poise seemed to define the stars. Those legendary actors and actresses had a presence that’s hard to find today. It’s impossible not to feel nostalgic, especially when remembering those we’ve lost. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of how fleeting life truly is—a precious journey we should savor every moment of.
The 1970 Oscars were historic in many ways. For the first time, the event was broadcast internationally via satellite, allowing audiences around the world to witness Hollywood’s biggest night live. Interestingly, that year’s ceremony was also unique because it had no official host. Despite the absence of a central figure guiding the evening, memorable moments still emerged, from heartfelt speeches to emotional tributes.
One such highlight was Cary Grant receiving the Academy Honorary Award. As he stood on stage, the crowd erupted in applause, offering a standing ovation that nearly brought him to tears. Later, Grant admitted he was completely overwhelmed and almost couldn’t deliver his speech. In a moment of vulnerability, it was Frank Sinatra’s warm gaze from the audience that helped ground him. That simple connection reminded him he wasn’t alone and gave him the strength to continue.
John Wayne also made a significant mark that evening, winning Best Actor for his role in True Grit. His acceptance speech was humble and heartfelt, showing genuine gratitude for the honor. However, some felt that Dustin Hoffman was unfairly passed over for his performance in Midnight Cowboy, sparking debate over whether Wayne’s win was a tribute to his long-standing career rather than just the performance itself.
Still, as impactful as those moments were, the undeniable star of the night was Elizabeth Taylor. When she stepped onto the stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to present the award for Best Picture, all eyes were on her. Dressed in a breathtaking cornflower blue gown that seemed to shift between lilac and violet under the lights, she stunned the audience. Her natural beauty, enhanced by the absence of the heavy tans fashionable at the time, radiated. The gown, designed by the legendary Edith Head, was tailored to highlight Taylor’s figure and complement her mesmerizing violet eyes. It was more than just a dress—it was a statement of timeless elegance.
Adding to her enchanting presence was the world-renowned Taylor-Burton Diamond hanging from her neck. This 69-carat gem wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was a symbol of love and determination. Originally discovered in 1966 in South Africa as a 241-carat rough diamond, it was purchased by Cartier at auction for a then-record $1,050,000, outbidding Richard Burton. Frustrated by the loss, Burton became determined to make the diamond his. He famously said he would get that diamond “if it cost me my life or 2 million dollars.” The next day, after intense negotiations and countless phone calls, Burton succeeded in buying the diamond for $1.1 million. His love for Elizabeth was evident when he said, “I wanted that diamond because it is incomparably lovely… and it should be on the loveliest woman in the world.”
Even comedian Bob Hope couldn’t resist making a quip about Taylor’s jewels during the ceremony, joking, “I know Miss Taylor is here. I saw a Brinks truck parked outside.” The crowd, including Richard Burton, laughed along, acknowledging the opulence and beauty Elizabeth brought to the night.
But as perfect as everything seemed on the surface, backstage, emotions ran high. Just moments before Taylor’s appearance, her husband had suffered yet another heartbreaking Oscars defeat. Richard Burton lost the Best Actor award to John Wayne, marking his sixth nomination without a win. Devastated by the result, Elizabeth broke down in tears backstage. A makeup artist had to quickly refresh her look before she could step into the spotlight. When she finally appeared, the audience fell silent. Her usual confidence was shaken, and the sorrow in her eyes was visible as she presented the award for Best Picture.
Later that night, the couple attended the after-party, where they were surrounded by celebrities and a swarm of photographers. According to Burton’s diary, they barely made it through the crowd. “We sat with George Cukor, the Pecks, and the Chandlers, but we were surrounded by scores of photographers who, to my delight, paid little attention to anyone else, including the winners,” he wrote. Even Barbra Streisand, fresh off her own win, was overshadowed by Taylor’s radiant presence.
Elizabeth’s look was the talk of the night, from the dazzling Taylor-Burton Diamond to the exquisite gown that perfectly framed her figure. Her beauty regimen was simple—she used basic moisturizer and preferred natural makeup, enhanced only for special events by professionals. Her double lashes were real, a genetic gift that added to her mystique. A ten-minute bath before the event helped her relax and set her makeup.
As the night ended, Taylor’s star power was undeniable. She embodied everything magical about Hollywood—beauty, grace, and resilience. Her legacy lived on not just through her films but in moments like that night, where despite heartbreak, she still captivated the world.
If you found this story as captivating as we did, feel free to share it with others. Elizabeth Taylor’s charm deserves to be remembered and celebrated by all who admire timeless beauty and grace.
