Cher’s Iconic 1973 Oscars Look and the Explosive Night Hollywood Can’t Forget

At the 1973 Academy Awards, Cher stunned in a daring gold chiffon outfit by designer Bob Mackie, her exposed midriff and Renaissance flair instantly stealing the spotlight. But while photographers swarmed to capture her, another unforgettable moment unfolded—one that shook Hollywood.

Sacheen Littlefeather’s Protest

That night, actress Sacheen Littlefeather, representing Marlon Brando, refused his Best Actor Oscar in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. Dressed in traditional attire, her short speech was met with mixed applause and boos. Backstage, tensions boiled—John Wayne reportedly had to be restrained, and Clint Eastwood’s mocking remarks later drew accusations of racism.

Though controversial then, Littlefeather’s bravery is now widely praised. However, after her death in 2022, her sisters claimed she fabricated her Native heritage. New research in 2024 suggests she may have had Indigenous Mexican roots, casting fresh light on her legacy.

Cher and Sonny: Style and Strain

While Littlefeather made headlines, Cher and Sonny Bono lit up the red carpet. At 27, Cher wore a custom Mackie gold ensemble with flowing sleeves and intricate embroidery. The glamorous look solidified her status as a fashion icon.

But behind the glitter, cracks in their marriage were growing. Though The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour was still on air, ratings were slipping, and tension between the couple was rising. Cher once walked off stage in Vegas, fed up with Sonny’s domineering ways.

The Unraveling Behind the Fame

By late 1972, their marriage was struggling. Cher later revealed Sonny was a controlling partner and a serial cheater—facts she only discovered after their divorce. Despite the dazzling public appearances, their relationship was quietly falling apart.

Cher, now 78, remains a force in entertainment, her resilience shining through. That 1973 Oscars snapshot, full of style and confidence, masks a more complicated story—one of protest, pain, and personal strength beneath the Hollywood glitz.