Lily Gladstone has both excitement and disappointment with being the first Native American woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Actress in a Leading Role.
In a Deadline exclusive, Gladstone, who is of Piegan Blackfeet (Siksikaitsitapi), Nez Perce (Nimíipuu) and European heritage said that she's "not going to be the last" Indigenous woman to be nominated in the category. Whilst feeling "so honored" for the recognition, Gladstone also shared her frustration with there not having been preceded by other Native American women for Best Actress.
"Why am I the first?" the Killers of the Flower Moon actress told the publication. "Why did it have to take this long for me to be the first Indigenous North American? Most of the films that show up in these categories are shot on Indigenous land in North America, and it’s taken this long."
Despite being the first Indigenous nominee in the category, Gladstone discussed her hopes to be “inspiring to other young Native actresses out there who are excited about just the moment of having this film out, and of having the Globes go the way that they did.”
The Academy Awards has a troubled history with the Indigenous community In 1973, late actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather was booed and threatened upon her refusal to accept Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards. As Brando boycotted the awards ceremony, in opposition of the film industry's portrayal of Native Americans, Littlefeather bravely spoke out about the occupation of Wounded Knee in South Dakota.
Nearly two months before her death in Oct. 2022, Littlefeather was given a formal apology from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and invited as a guest of honor for a night of reflection based on the 1973 incident. The event was held at the Academy Museum on Sept. 17, 2022.
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