At the height of her career in 1973, Cher attended the Academy Awards ceremony alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono.
Photographers eagerly snapped away, thinking they’d captured the perfect moment. But little did they know, the real story was unfolding before their eyes..
Cher dazzled and captivated all the cameras at the 1973 Academy Awards, stealing the spotlight with her bold dress. Sporting something that wouldn’t be out of place on their own television show, Cher wore the first of many memorable Cher Oscar outfits.
The night Hollywood erupted
But before we dive into her unforgettable appearance, we need to start with another moment from that night — one that made Hollywood boil over with emotion.
To be honest, the 45th Academy Awards in 1973 is mostly remembered as one of the most controversial moments in Oscar history, due to the courageous act of a young woman named Sacheen Littlefeather.
She wasn’t a famous actress or a household name, but she forever changed the conversation in Hollywood when she walked onto the stage that night.
Clad in a traditional buckskin dress and moccasins, her long dark hair adorned with Native-style beadwork, Littlefeather stepped into the spotlight not to accept an award but to refuse one.
She was there on behalf of Marlon Brando, who had won the Best Actor award for his role in The Godfather – but chose to decline it as a protest against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans.
”I was distressed”
The audience in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was caught off guard, torn between applause and boos as Littlefeather explained Brando’s decision.
Some even booed her.
Littlefeather was supposed to read a 739-word statement, but the Oscars producer threatened to have her physically removed and arrested if she went over 60 seconds.
Under this pressure, she delivered a shortened version of the speech, and as she left the stage, some audience members mocked her with tomahawk chop gestures.
”I was distressed that people should have booed and whistled and stomped, even though perhaps it was directed at myself,” Brando later told Dick Cavett.
But the fury didn’t stop there.
Reportedly, Hollywood’s biggest stars were visibly divided. John Wayne is said to have been waiting backstage, restrained by six security guards to keep him from confronting Littlefeather. Though this account has been debated, the intense reactions from other presenters were undeniable.
Clint Eastwood’s accused of racism
Later that evening, just before announcing the Best Actress winner, Raquel Welch quipped, ”I hope the winner doesn’t have a cause.”
When Clint Eastwood took the stage to present the Best Picture award, he joked about doing it ”on behalf of all the cowboys shot in John Ford Westerns over the years.” The veteran actor has since faced accusations of racism for that comment.
Meanwhile, Michael Caine, who co-hosted the event, criticized Brando for ”letting some poor little Indian girl take the boos” instead of ”standing up and doing it himself.”
It’s easy to look back on that night as a sign of how far we still had to go.
For many, Littlefeather’s bravery wasn’t fully understood until decades later. On YouTube, comments beneath clips of her speech are filled with praise.
One user wrote, “People said that Will Smith slapping Chris Rock is the most disgusting moment in Oscar history, but they never saw a Native American woman defending her people’s rights getting booed by actors and actresses. That was the most disgusting moment in Oscar history.”
An ethnic fraud?
Yet, the story of Sacheen Littlefeather, born Maria Louise Cruz in 1946, doesn’t end with her iconic moment at the Oscars.
Shortly after her passing in 2022 from breast cancer, a new chapter unfolded that would challenge the narrative she had crafted over the years.
Her sisters stepped forward, asserting that Littlefeather had fabricated her Native American ancestry. Rosalind Cruz, her sister, revealed that Littlefeather believed it would be more “prestigious” to identify as Native American rather than embrace their Hispanic roots. According to the sisters, their father was of Spanish-Mexican descent, not Apache and Yaqui as Littlefeather had claimed.
Rosalind Cruz also dismissed her sister’s claim that she received the name Littlefeather from her dad after dancing before him while holding a single feather aloft.
“That she danced in front of my father and always wore a feather in her hair, in her head? And that’s when my father called her ‘Littlefeather?’ That’s another fantasy,” Cruz told San Fransisco Chronicle.
New research
As the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking Oscar moment approached, her sisters reiterated their stance, insisting that Littlefeather was a fraud.
However, just as this narrative began to solidify, new research emerged on March 6, 2024, suggesting that Littlefeather may indeed have had Indigenous Mexican roots.
While we may not have the final word on this debate, this new perspective undeniably casts a different light on that historic Oscar moment and the ongoing fight for representation in Hollywood.
The iconic Cher outfit
Alright, folks, let’s move on to Cher!
Younger generations may not fully grasp the incredible phenomenon that Sonny & Cher were during their heyday. They were massive — absolutely massive!
And Cher, of course, has continued to dazzle and entertain countless new audiences over the years.
But in 1973, Cher was just 27 years old when she attended the Academy Awards alongside her then-husband, Sonny Bono. The couple was there to present the award for Best Original Song, because who better to hand out musical accolades than a duo who knows a thing or two about hitting all the right notes.
That night, amidst many stunning celebrities, Cher radiated with an unparalleled brilliance. Dressed in a daring outfit and rocking hoop earrings, Cher instantly became a fashion icon, proving that sometimes all you need is a bold look and a bit of attitude to make history. Her striking ensemble was designed by Bob Mackie, Hollywood’s premier designer at the time.
He had been dressing Cher since 1967, when she made a guest appearance on The Carol Burnett Show. “We hit it off right off the bat,” Mackie recalled to Variety, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Gold chiffon pajama
Cher always turned to Mackie for special occasions, and the 1973 Oscars were no exception. Back then, Cher was a size 6 with a beautifully trim midriff.
“She likes to emphasize that,” Mackie told Daily News the day after the event.
He crafted a stunning gold chiffon pajama set for her, featuring a bare midriff and flowing Oriental sleeves.
Cher’s long hair cascaded loosely, accentuating the intricate gold Byzantine embroidery, her exposed midriff, and the elegant sleeves that grazed the floor.
At that time, Cher and Sonny had reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. Their records sold in the millions, and they were one of the most sought-after acts for concerts and nightclub engagements.
Their comedy hour on CBS was immensely popular, it used to air every Wednesday at 8 PM — truly a “royal jewel” in the CBS crown.
But did all that fame and success really shine through when they strutted down the red carpet that spring evening in 1973? It’s tough to say! What we do know today definitely puts a new spin on that unforgettable night.
Cracks in the facade
Just days before the 1973 Oscars, several newspapers published articles highlighting the declining ratings for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.
Competing against popular shows like Sanford and Son on NBC and The Brady Bunch, their program struggled to achieve the heights it once enjoyed in previous seasons.
While these type of bad ratings would typically lead to immediate cancellations for many shows, CBS executives had a special affection for Sonny and Cher’s program.
They were allowed to continue, largely because the couple was seen as easy to work with. But was it really smooth sailing between Cher and Sonny?
The answer is no.
Walked off stage
The couple’s marriage added a layer of natural friction to their show, but by 1973, that tension was becoming increasingly problematic. Sonny, twelve years Cher’s senior, had faced many challenges before reaching stardom. While Cher could effortlessly shine on stage and in front of the camera, Sonny often played the role of the domineering boss behind the scenes.
One notable incident occurred when Cher famously walked off stage during a performance in Las Vegas, exclaiming, “Who needs you?”
Despite the turmoil, they managed to maintain their relationship. According to The Washington Post, Sonny even gifted Cher a new car to keep the peace, and life at their Beverly Hills mansion continued as usual.
However, that moment in Vegas hinted at a deeper issue. Cher had become the undeniable star of the duo, capable of launching a successful solo career if she chose to. In hindsight, it’s haunting to look at the pictures from that fateful Oscars night, knowing what lay beneath their glamorous facade.
In fact, Cher and Sonny had been grappling with marital problems since late 1972, but they put on a brave face for the cameras, maintaining appearances until 1974.
Cher later described her husband as a “watered-down Svengali,” who tightly controlled their careers and lives with an iron fist. While they were dazzling audiences and making headlines, their personal lives were anything but picture-perfect.
Looking at the iconic images of Cher and Sonny at the Oscars in 1973, it’s a stark reminder for us that sometimes, the most dazzling moments are merely a cover for the cracks beneath the surface.
A huge womanizer
After their much-publicized divorce, it was revealed that Sonny Bono had been notoriously unfaithful — but Cher? Well, she was blissfully unaware.
Just look at the picture below of Cher, shimmering in a dazzling outfit with a smile that could light up the Hollywood sign.
It’s hard to imagine that behind the scenes, Sonny was more interested in creating a harem than harmonizing in a heartfelt duet.
Cher once said, “Stardom made Sonny a huge womanizer. One woman, or even five, was not enough for him. I found all this out afterward. I asked him, ‘How did you manage the logistics?’”
”I was trusting and faithful with him. The truth is, I’m not so sure we should’ve ever been husband and wife.”
Today, Cher, 78, continues to enchant audiences with her talent and charisma.She remains a powerful force in the entertainment industry.
As for Sonny, he left this world in 1998 after a tragic skiing acciden
Looking at that iconic snapshot from 1973, it’s easy to be mesmerized by Cher and Sonny, radiating confidence and glamour as they stood on top of the world.
But the truth?
Their relationship was quietly unraveling, and we had no idea. It’s fascinating, in hindsight, to see how their dazzling smiles masked the turmoil beneath.
Cher’s brilliant smile reminds us that even in the brightest moments, life can be complex and unpredictable. It’s a beautiful testament to her strength and the resilience that has defined her journey
As a Mother of Two, I Dreamed of Adopting a Third Until My MIL Forced Me to Leave Home with My Kids — Story of the Day
I thought adopting a child would complete our family, but nothing prepared me for the challenges that followed. Just when everything seemed to fall apart, an unexpected turn changed our lives forever.
Recently, my husband Mark and I unanimously decided to adopt a child. It wasn’t a decision we made lightly, but it felt deeply right. Our home had love to spare, and I knew our family had room for one more soul.
Emily and Jacob, our two beloved children, caught on to our excitement right away. They were chattering about their “new sister” every day.
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“Do you think she likes soccer?” Jacob asked as he kicked a ball around the yard.
Emily rolled her eyes. “She probably likes dolls, Jacob. She’s six, not a boy.”
“She can like both,” I interjected with a laugh, loving their playful banter.
Earlier that day, Mark and I met Evie for the first time. A petite six-year-old with chestnut hair and solemn eyes, she held a worn teddy bear tightly, like it was her lifeline.
“She’s beautiful,” I whispered to Mark as we left the meeting.
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“She’s got a kind soul. You can just tell.”
The warmth of that moment lingered, and I held onto it as we returned home. I couldn’t wait to see her playing with Emily and Jacob, laughing around the dinner table. Everything felt perfect until the family dinner with my MIL, Barbara.
It began innocently enough. Barbara passed me the salad bowl, chatting about the neighbor’s new puppy. Then, her tone shifted.
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“So,” she began, eyeing Mark, “I hear you two are thinking about adopting.”
I smiled, setting my fork down. “We are. Her name is Evie. She’s six…”
“Someone else’s child?” Barbara interrupted, her voice sharp. She glanced between us, her expression unreadable. “You’re serious?”
“Of course we are,” Mark said, but his voice lacked conviction. My heart sank.
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Barbara leaned back in her chair. “I just don’t see how a stranger can ever truly be part of this family. Blood ties are what keep us together. Not some orphan.”
The room fell silent. Emily and Jacob, usually giggling through dinner, froze in their seats. My hands tightened around my napkin, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“Family isn’t about blood,” I said firmly. “It’s about love and commitment.”
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Barbara shrugged. “That’s easy to say, Sarah, but I’ve seen it fail. I just think you should consider the consequences.”
“Mom,” Mark said quietly, “we’ve already made our decision.”
Her sharp gaze turned to him. “Have you? Because it doesn’t sound like you’re entirely sure.”
I glanced at Mark, hoping he’d respond, but he just stared down at his plate. The silence was deafening.
That night, Mark was distant. He didn’t join Emily and Jacob for their bedtime story. Instead, he wandered the house, his footsteps heavy.
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“Mark?” I called softly from the living room. “Are you okay?”
“I just… I don’t know, Sarah. Maybe Mom has a point. What if this is too much for us?”
I stepped closer. “Mark, you were so sure before. What’s changed?”
He rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know. I need time to think.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. As I went upstairs to check on the kids, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Barbara’s words had planted a dangerous seed of doubt in Mark’s heart.
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***
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, but the brightness only highlighted the heavy mood in the house. The day we had been waiting for—the day we were supposed to bring Evie home—was here. But instead of excitement, a cold tension hung in the air.
Mark stood by the front door, arms crossed, his face unreadable. I approached him with a smile, clutching the list of things I had prepared for Evie’s arrival. But his words stopped me cold.
“I’ve changed my mind, Sarah. I don’t want to go through with this.”
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“What?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “What are you saying?”
“I just don’t think it’s the right decision. I can’t do this.”
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The betrayal stung, sharp and deep, but as the silence stretched between us, something inside me shifted. A clarity I hadn’t felt before settled over me.
“You might have changed your mind,” I said slowly, “but I haven’t. Evie is waiting for us, Mark. She’s been promised a family, and I can’t let her down.”
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“You’re being irrational,” he said, his voice rising. “You’re dragging the kids into this. You’re making a mistake!”
I didn’t respond. Instead, I turned, grabbed my keys, and began packing a bag for myself and the children. Emily and Jacob watched me quietly, their eyes wide, sensing the tension but saying nothing.
Minutes later, I was buckling them into the car as Mark stood on the porch, shouting something about how I was taking his children away. I didn’t look back. My heart was set.
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The only place I could think to go was my late mother’s house—a small, run-down property that had been sitting empty for years. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a beginning. And for Evie, I would make it work.
***
The first floor was livable after hours of scrubbing, sweeping, and airing out the musty rooms. It was enough for the first time. I focused on turning the space into a cozy retreat for us.
“Mom, what are you doing up there?” Jacob called from the living room as I carried an old mop and bucket to the second floor.
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“Just a little magic,” I replied, peeking my head over the banister with a smile. “You’ll see when it’s done.”
“Can we help?” Emily’s voice chimed in.
I shook my head gently. “Not this time, sweetie. Why don’t you and Jacob show Evie how to play hide and seek? I bet she’s never played it with such great hiders before.”
Emily immediately turned to Evie, who sat quietly on the couch, clutching her stuffed bear. “Come on, Evie! I’ll even let you hide first.”
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“Yeah, but don’t pick my spot,” Jacob teased, puffing his chest dramatically. “I’ve got the best hiding places in the whole house.”
Evie looked up at them hesitantly, her small hands gripping the bear tighter. “I… I don’t know,” she murmured.
Emily crouched beside her. “It’s really fun. I’ll hide with you the first time if you want. We can be a team.”
A tiny smile flickered across Evie’s face. “Okay.”
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“That’s the spirit!” Jacob whooped, already darting toward the hallway. “Let’s see if Mom can find us when she’s done building her tower upstairs!”
I chuckled at his imagination as I climbed to the second floor. From above, I could hear their giggles and footsteps as they dashed around.
Emily’s voice called out playful instructions, and Evie’s laughter finally joined theirs. It was a sound I was holding my breath to hear.
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Hours later, after the kids had worn themselves out and fallen asleep after pizza, I stood in the dimly lit kitchen, warming my hands with a mug of tea. The day went better than I’d hoped. Evie had played, smiled, and even laughed. She began to trust us.
I tiptoed into my room, careful not to wake the children. As I sank onto the bed, the tears came, hot and unrelenting.
Mark’s absence felt like a shadow over everything. I stared at the cracks in the ceiling, whispering to myself in the darkness.
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“Am I doing this right? Is this enough?”
In those moments of doubt, I turned to social media as a way to cope. It started simply—a few posts sharing the highs and lows of adjusting to our new life, more for myself than anyone else.
Writing helped me process my thoughts, giving my feelings a place to land. But something unexpected happened.
Strangers, mostly mothers, began commenting on my posts. They shared their own stories, offered advice, and sent words of encouragement.
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“You’re doing an amazing thing,” one woman wrote.
“Stay strong. It’s hard, but it’s worth it,” said another.
The messages poured in, and then, people started showing up in real life.
It started with a knock at the door one morning. When I opened it, a woman stood there with a basket of groceries.
“I read your post,” she said with a kind smile. “I just wanted to help.”
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Another day, a man arrived with a toolbox in hand. “I heard about your house. Mind if I fix that front step? It’s a little wobbly.”
Soon, our little house was buzzing with activity. People brought toys for the kids, blankets to keep us warm, and even fresh paint to brighten the walls. I wasn’t alone.
After several active days and fewer tearful nights, Mark finally wrote. He wanted to meet.
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***
The hum of a car pulling into the driveway broke the afternoon stillness. My heart skipped as I set down the laundry basket and peeked through the curtain.
Mark stepped out, his shoulders slumped, his face lined with exhaustion. He wasn’t the same man who had walked away weeks ago. I met him at the door, unsure what to say.
“I’m ashamed of myself, Sarah,” he said. “Ashamed of how I let my mother’s fears control me. Ashamed of leaving you to carry this burden alone. You did what I should’ve done. You didn’t give up.”
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“I didn’t have a choice, Mark,” I said quietly. “Evie needed us. She still does.”
He nodded, his eyes meeting mine for the first time. “I know. And I’m here now. I want to make this right.”
Forgiveness didn’t need to be spoken. It was in the way he rolled up his sleeves and got to work the very next day.
Together, we finished the repairs on the house. Mark worked tirelessly, fixing the roof and building sturdy shelves while I painted and organized.
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Evie’s laughter rang through the halls as Emily and Jacob pulled her into their games. For the first time in weeks, the house felt alive.
A few weeks later, Barbara visited. She didn’t say much, but I watched her hand Evie a small brooch, something she treasured. I saw her walls begin to crumble.
When the house was complete, Mark and I sat together on the porch, looking out at the yard where the kids played.
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Suddenly Mark turned to me. “What if we turned this place into a foster home? A real one. A safe haven for kids who need a family, even if it’s just for a little while.”
“Mark, that’s… that’s an incredible idea.”
He squeezed my hand. “Then let’s do it. Together.”
We both knew that family wasn’t about blood. It’s about love, choices, and fighting for the people you care about. And it’s always worth the fight.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought faking a fiancé would finally let me step out of my sister’s shadow. But in the middle of my own scheme, I discovered that true love had been closer than I’d ever realized.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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