FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 file photo, Elizabeth Taylor speaks during the 26th Annual Macy's Passport to Fashion gala in Santa Monica, Calif. Elizabeth Taylor has been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital and is being treated for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, according to her spokeswoman, Friday, Feb. 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

Liz Taylor Turns 79

Mar 3, 2011

BEVERLY HILLS/HOLLYWOOD—Liz Taylor celebrated her 79th birthday inside a hospital room watching the Oscars on Sunday, February 27. The actress is recovering from treatment for congestive heart failure after she was hospitalized several weeks ago.

Taylor’s spokeswoman, Sally Morrison, explained that Taylor did not know how long she would be in the hospital, stressing that medical experts needed space to work. Taylor was scheduled to attend an amfAR gala honoring her, former President Bill Clinton and designer Diane von Furstenberg for their dedication to AIDS research. Elton John accepted the award on Taylor’s behalf, relaying a message from Taylor stating, “I am there in spirit.”

Morrison confirmed that Taylor viewed the Academy Award ceremonies from her hospital room, and she favored “The King’s Speech,” which took home the Oscar for Best Picture.

Taylor does have plans to have a proper birthday celebration when she returns home.

The actress announced her heart condition in 2004, and has been at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center for treatment since early February.

Taylor won Oscars for “Butterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” in 1966. Taylor is also known for her early role in “National Velvet.”