In the annals of Hollywood history, the 1970 Academy Awards left an indelible mark on red carpet glamour. Despite the notable absence of Best Actress Maggie Smith and Best Supporting Actress Goldie Hawn, who were unable to attend to receive their accolades in person, the event still radiated star power. Elizabeth Taylor's presence, adorned with a breathtaking diamond, more than compensated for any lack of luminosity. This iconic moment set a precedent for future Oscar nights, where jewelry became as much a focal point as the films themselves.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Timeless Elegance at the 1970 Oscars
In the glamorous era of classic Hollywood, the 1970 Academy Awards ceremony was a night to remember. As one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, Elizabeth Taylor made a striking appearance. Presenting the prestigious Best Film award, which went to "Midnight Cowboy," Taylor wore an exquisite periwinkle gown designed by the legendary Edith Head. The true showstopper, however, was the dazzling 69-carat Taylor Burton diamond nestled elegantly in the deep neckline of her dress. This magnificent gem, purchased by Taylor and her husband Richard Burton the previous year, not only added sparkle to the evening but also cemented its place in Oscar lore.
The impact of this moment was profound. It established a new standard for red carpet attire, inspiring future generations of celebrities. Years later, Lady Gaga would wear a stunning 128-carat yellow Tiffany & Co. diamond during her nomination for "A Star is Born" in 2019, while Zendaya dazzled in $6 million worth of Bulgari jewels paired with a Valentino gown at the 2021 Oscars. These moments underscore the enduring legacy of Elizabeth Taylor's unforgettable appearance, proving that the allure of Oscar night jewelry remains timeless.
From a journalist's perspective, it's fascinating to see how one pivotal moment can shape trends and traditions. Elizabeth Taylor's choice of accessories at the 1970 Oscars not only highlighted her personal style but also influenced the way stars prepare for the biggest night in Hollywood. Her bold decision to wear such a significant piece of jewelry has inspired countless others to push boundaries and make memorable fashion statements. This legacy continues to captivate audiences and set the bar for elegance and glamour on the red carpet.
Over the past year, Mikey Madison has emerged as a formidable force in both cinema and fashion. Her portrayal of Ani, a dancer from Brighton Beach who navigates an intense marriage, earned her widespread acclaim and nominations across various award categories. This character's unique style and self-assured presentation played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Madison emphasized that Ani's appearance was not just decorative but integral to her story, highlighting how she captivated others while staying true to herself.
This evening marked a significant milestone for Madison as she graced the red carpet at the 2025 Oscars, where she triumphed with the Best Actress award. For this momentous occasion, her makeup artist Melissa Hernandez and hairstylist Rena Calhoun crafted a look inspired by timeless elegance yet infused with contemporary flair. The ensemble featured a black Dior gown reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s style, paired with a stunning vintage platinum and diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co., believed to date back to the early 1900s. The dress, a meticulous recreation of Christian Dior's original Bal à Paris design, required over 400 hours of work to perfect.
The makeup focused on enhancing Madison's eyes, using Armani Beauty products to create a dramatic yet sophisticated effect. Hernandez applied smooth silk eye pencils, champagne and black eye tints, along with the soon-to-launch Vertigo Lift Mascara. A natural base and cheek tint completed the look, ensuring Madison shone brightly without overpowering her features. As Madison continues to ascend in Hollywood, her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and artists everywhere, proving that authenticity and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.
The 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles showcased a dazzling array of fashion as celebrities graced the red carpet. Notable figures like Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Mikey Madison, and others displayed their sartorial best. This event marked the culmination of an extensive awards campaign season. The following sections delve into the highlights of the evening’s attire and notable appearances.
Red Carpet Elegance
The red carpet outside the Dolby Theater was a vibrant spectacle where stars exhibited their finest. From classic black tuxedos to avant-garde gowns, each celebrity made a statement. Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor, opted for a sleek Givenchy suit, while Mikey Madison, nominated for Best Actress, chose a stunning Dior gown. Zoe Saldana, who won Best Supporting Actress, wore an elegant Yves Saint Laurent dress. Selena Gomez, one of the presenters, appeared in a Ralph Lauren outfit, adding a touch of sophistication to the evening.
The diversity in fashion choices was remarkable. Joe Alwyn, a presenter, sported a classic look, whereas Monica Barbaro, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, dazzled in a Dior gown. Miley Cyrus, another presenter, donned an Alexander McQueen ensemble. Halle Berry, a previous Oscar winner, turned heads with a mirror dress by Christian Siriano. Michelle Yeoh, always a style icon, wore a Balenciaga gown that perfectly complemented her elegance. Ariana Grande, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, arrived in a Schiaparelli Couture dress that captured everyone's attention.
Celebrity Highlights and Performances
Beyond the red carpet, the ceremony itself featured memorable moments from both presenters and performers. Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor, wore Loro Piana, while Penélope Cruz, a presenter, chose Chanel for her appearance. Jazz Charton and Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor, also made impressive fashion statements. Doja Cat, performing during the event, wore a striking Balmain dress that added flair to her performance. Lupita Nyong’o, in a Chanel gown, exemplified grace and beauty on the red carpet.
Other notable appearances included Diane Warren, nominated for Best Original Song, who wore a chic ensemble. Sebastian Stan, nominated for Best Actor, and Scarlett Johansson, a presenter, were among those who added to the glamour of the evening. Brandi Carlile, nominated for Best Original Song, and Catherine Shepherd looked radiant together. Felicity Jones, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, wore a Giorgio Armani Privé gown that stood out for its elegance. Jon M. Chu, director of a highly nominated film, arrived in NB44 tuxedo, showing his unique style. Elle Fanning, a presenter, wore Givenchy Haute Couture, completing the night’s list of fashion-forward attendees.