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In fact, the standing ovation lasted for 12 minutes – the longest in Academy Awards history.
For the millions watching at home, witnessing this cinematic giant in front of them felt almost surreal. But the most poignant moment belonged to Chaplin himself as he was given the special award by the Academy of Motion Picture.
Old and new
As mentioned, the 1972 ceremony was a celebration of the old and new Hollywood coming together. Legendary stars like Jane Russell, Macdonald Carey, and Jane Powell Kelly shared the spotlight with the emerging generation of actors like Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, Cloris Leachman and Raquel Welch.
The red carpet was a display of pure elegance, with stars donning glamorous gowns and tuxedos that exuded the timeless allure of Hollywood’s golden age.
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.
