Looking back at old Oscars photos, especially from the 1970s, brings a nostalgic feeling. There’s something almost haunting about those pictures—they capture a different era, a different America, when the Academy Awards felt truly glamorous. The celebrities had an air of class, elegance, and mystique, and the event itself carried a weight that feels somewhat lost today.

Seeing so many legendary stars who are no longer with us is a reminder of how fleeting life is. There was a time when I knew every nominee, every film, every song in the running. Now, I struggle to keep up with the rapid changes in Hollywood.

Someone once said the 1975 Oscars were “back when actors and actresses had class and no political agenda.” While that may not be entirely true, it does feel like something has shifted over the years. That year’s ceremony, the 47th Academy Awards, had its share of unforgettable moments, some of which are still discussed today.

It’s impossible to revisit the 1975 Oscars without mentioning Dustin Hoffman. The legendary actor, now 87, was one of the biggest names of the night, not just for his nomination but for his outspoken disdain for the ceremony itself.

Hoffman was nominated for his role in Lenny, a biographical film about comedian Lenny Bruce. However, he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be attending. He had never been shy about criticizing the Academy, calling the event “garish” and “embarrassing.” In a now-famous remark, he even described it as “ugly” and “grotesque,” comparing it to a beauty pageant.

Host Bob Hope took a lighthearted jab at Hoffman, quipping, “If Dustin Hoffman wins tonight, he’ll have a friend pick it up for him—George C. Scott,” referencing Scott’s famous refusal to accept his Oscar in 1971.