The Oscars are one of the biggest events of the year and he gives us the opportunity to get a closer glimpse at the celebrities we hold so dear.
Although the Oscars are popular every year, they were especially interesting in 1972. It was more than an award ceremony that year, it was a celebration that showed us the glitz and glamour associated with those entertainers who took the stage.
If you’ve been watching the Oscars for a number of years, you realize that they can get a little drab at times. We have some excitement, such as the Oscars slap, but they tend to be few and far between.
That wasn’t the case, however, in 1972. When the 44th Academy Awards came around, they were looking at some of the greatest films that had ever been on the silver screen. It included films such as The French Connection and stars, such as Jean Hackman.
The French Connection was one of those films that changed things in the cinema in many ways. Jean Hackman, who won the best actor that evening said: “The film was totally different than anything I’d ever done. I’d never shot that much outside, and especially in the wintertime and especially in those conditions where we were just at it all the time. And I don’t think I’d ever been pushed as much by a director either, which was really good for me.”
Even though he was happy for the role that he played, he was still surprised to win the award. Later, he would say that he didn’t even remember going up to the podium to receive it.
Other noteworthy movies that were celebrated that evening included A Clockwork Orange, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Last Picture Show.
The golden era of Hollywood was also on its way out in 1972, but it was still alive and doing well. The award ceremony had taken on a new look in more recent years but in 1972, it was vintage and elegant. One difference was Jane Fonda, who did wear some pantsuits.
Meanwhile, on the outside of the Los Angeles Music Center were a bunch of fans who were just waiting to see some of the celebrities. Nearby, however, protests took place and demonstrators had to be held back by police officers.
One of the protests had to do with the Clint Eastwood movie, Dirty Harry. It was nominated for awards but many people felt that it was glorifying police violence. That is something to chew on.
In 1972, the Oscars were also different because of the music. Isaac Hayes won an Oscar for the best original song in his head, ‘Theme from Shaft.’ He was the first African-American to win that honor.
He went on to put on a stage performance for everyone that was unbelievable. It was a highlight of the show for many, as he came out wearing chains, was and shirtless.
Betty Grable was also there that evening, and it would be one of the last times she appeared in public. She became famous in 1943 due to a swimsuit poster and became a World War II pinup girl. At one point, she had even insured her legs for $1 million!
One person who was honored at the awards was Charlie Chaplin. He was 82 years old when he came out on the stage with his cane and derby. Almost 3000 people who were in attendance that day erupted in applause and it lasted for about 12 minutes. That also set an Academy Awards record.
Some stars shared the spotlight with others, including the likes of Jane Russell, Macdonald Carey, and Jane Powell Kelly, who were there with Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, Cloris Leachman and Raquel Welch. It was like the old meeting the new.
The 1972 Academy Awards really set the stage for many more award shows. We will never go back to that time again, but it’s always nice to look back in history and see what we had.