Why the 1972 Oscars remains one of the the best ever

There are certainly many photos from that night that capture the electric atmosphere in the air. But one photo truly caught my attention: the one featuring Raquel Welch, Cloris Leachman, and Gene Hackman together.

Gene Hackman had every reason to smile and be happy in this photo, Cloris Leachman had won the Best Supporting Actress award for The Last Picture Show, and Raquel Welch radiated in her stunning dress. At the 1972 Oscars, Welch was not only a presenter for Best Supporting Actress, but also a representation of the changing ideals of femininity in Hollywood. Her confidence and glamour in the photo symbolize a moment where women began to assert their influence in the industry.

Behind the picture

To me, the photograph encapsulates not just a moment in time but also the careers and contributions of three pivotal figures in the film industry. Each individual in the picture represents a different facet of Hollywood’s evolution. For example, Leachman’s performance stands out as a symbol of the era’s changing landscape in film. Her win represented a shift towards more nuanced, character-driven stories in Hollywood.

The image of Hackman, Leachman, and Welch also reflects the broader cultural shifts occurring in the early 1970s. The film industry was moving away from traditional narratives and embracing more diverse storytelling, which was evident in the films nominated that year.