At the height of her career in 1973, Cher attended the Academy Awards alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono, dazzling audiences with her bold fashion choice. Photographers captured her in a striking gold chiffon pajama outfit, designed by the renowned Bob Mackie, which highlighted her bare midriff and flowing Oriental sleeves. Cher’s look was unforgettable and instantly became iconic, solidifying her status as a fashion legend.
However, the 45th Academy Awards were not only memorable for Cher’s dazzling appearance. The evening was overshadowed by a pivotal moment in Hollywood history: the courageous act of Sacheen Littlefeather. Though not a household name, Littlefeather walked on stage that night to refuse the Best Actor Oscar awarded to Marlon Brando for his role in The Godfather. Clad in a traditional Native American buckskin dress, she delivered a poignant statement about Hollywood’s mistreatment of Native Americans, drawing both applause and boos from the audience.
The mixed reactions highlighted the charged atmosphere of the night. Some attendees were visibly divided; John Wayne reportedly had to be restrained from confronting Littlefeather. The moment marked a turning point in Oscar history, sparking discussions about representation and cultural sensitivity in the film industry. Although Littlefeather faced ridicule, her bravery wasn’t fully recognized until decades later, with many reflecting on her speech as a profound act of defiance.
Fast forward to Cher’s glamorous appearance, the couple was enjoying massive success with their television show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, and their musical hits. However, beneath the glitz, their relationship was beginning to fray. Just days before the Oscars, reports surfaced about declining ratings for their show, and tensions in their marriage were growing. Cher later described Sonny as a “watered-down Svengali,” indicating the control he exerted over her career and their lives.
Despite this, they maintained a façade of harmony on the red carpet, with Cher exuding confidence and charisma. This glamorous image, however, belied the struggles they faced in private. Cher had walked off stage during a performance in Las Vegas, signaling the underlying issues in their relationship. While they presented a united front at the Oscars, cracks were beginning to show.
The aftermath of the Oscars revealed even more about their tumultuous relationship. Cher would later learn of Sonny’s infidelities, which he concealed during their marriage. Reflecting on their time together, Cher acknowledged that she had been trusting and faithful, expressing doubts about their compatibility. Their marriage unraveled in the years that followed, ultimately leading to a high-profile divorce in 1974.
In the decades since, Cher has continued to thrive, captivating new generations with her talent and resilience. Meanwhile, Sonny’s legacy is more complicated; he passed away in 1998, leaving behind a mixed narrative. The stunning images from the 1973 Oscars serve as a reminder of both the glamour and the hidden turmoil that often accompanies fame. Cher’s dazzling appearance that night remains iconic, but the story beneath the surface reveals a much more complex reality—a tale of love, ambition, and the challenges that come with stardom.