The 48th Annual Academy Awards

Elizabeth took to the Oscar stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to lead a galaxy of stars and the USC Trojan Marching Band in a poignant rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’ in honour of the US bicentennial. She was introduced by her fellow MGM alum, Gene Kelly, one of five hosts presiding over that year’s ceremony. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “an international star, twice winner of the Academy Award for best performance as an actress: Elizabeth Taylor.”

She made her spectacular entrance (more on that below!) to ‘The Song of Raintree County,’ composed by Johnny Green for the 1957 film that earned Elizabeth her first Academy Award nomination two decades earlier.

“Good evening,” she began. “It’s lovely to be here. It’s nice to be back in Hollywood. I have worked all over the world and found Hollywood in Rome, in France, in London. [...] I started here when I was ten years old, and it’s always a thrill for me to come back. Films have helped bring a sense of the American land, the American purpose, and the American dream to people everywhere. Tonight, saluting the two-hundredth year of this land, the bicentennial year, let us recall that original purpose and reaffirm that necessary dream. Please join us to sing ‘America the Beautiful.’”

1976 Oscars Fashion

Elizabeth had arrived on the red carpet for the 48th Academy Awards alongside George Cukor (who had recently directed her in The Blue Bird, which was set to be released theatrically the following month) and the designer Halston. Halston had designed the ensemble she wore that evening: a daring red—later dubbed “Elizabeth Taylor Red” by the iconic designer—strapless dress and cape. The cape was worn on the red carpet and as she sat in the audience, but removed before appearing onstage at the end of the telecast. It remains one of the most influential Oscar looks of all time.

“A designer is only as good as his clientele,” explained Halston. “It’s fashionable people, like Elizabeth, who make fashion.”