The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress and activist who was booed offstage after she turned down actor Marlon Brando’s 1973 Oscar on his behalf. Nearly 50 years later, the Academy released an official statement signed by Academy President David Rubin, describing Littlefeather’s 1973 performance as “a powerful message that continues to remind us of the imperative of respect and the value of human dignity.”
The actress was also praised for her bravery in the apology, which criticized the actress’ past abuse:
“The abuse you experienced as a result of your comment was unfair and unnecessary.” The emotional toll you have suffered, as well as the cost of your own career in our field, is irreversible. Your bravery has gone unnoticed for too long. We sincerely apologize and express our admiration for this.”
Sacheen Littlefeather appreciated the Academy’s apology and discussed the statement with The Hollywood Reporter. She stated:
“As for the Academy’s apology to me, we Indians are a patient people – it’s only been 50 years!” We must keep our sense of humor at all times. It’s our only way to survive.”
1973: Native American Sacheen Littlefeather praised (and cheered) Hollywood at the Oscars before being mocked by Clint Eastwood and nearly physically assaulted by John Wayne simply for asking that Native people not be dehumanized in the film.pic.twitter.com/BgOiuBq4hR
— rafael shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) October 11, 2021
The activist also stated that she does not believe that she will live to see the Academy apologize for the 1973 incident:
“I never believed I would see the day.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s heartening to see how much has changed in the 50 years since I accepted the Oscar.”
In 1973, veteran actor Marlon Brando turned down his Best Actor Oscar nomination for The Godfather to protest the exploitation of Native American actors in Hollywood and draw attention to the Wounded Knee conflict. During the 1973 Academy Awards, Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather, then-president of the National Committee for the Affirmative Image of Native Americans, to accept an award on his behalf to raise awareness of the Wounded Knee massacre.
What was the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973?
The second Wounded Knee Occupation was a high-profile protest action led by more than 200 members of the Oglala Lakota and the American Indian Movement (AIM). The occupation began on February 27, 1973, when demonstrators occupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The protests occurred when the Oglala Sioux Civil Rights Organization (OSCRO) failed to impeach then-tribal chairman Richard Wilson, who was accused of abusing opponents and engaging in various forms of corruption. Protesters also chastised the United States government for not honoring treaties with Native Americans.
Protest organizers also demanded that authorities renew treaty discussions to ensure “fair and equal treatment of Native Americans.” The campaign received significant media coverage and public support, and many Native Americans traveled to Wounded Knee to support the protest.
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was apparently chosen by protesters for its symbolic importance as it was the site where the US Army had previously slaughtered 90 Lakota in 1890. The group controlled the town for 71 days before leaving in May 1973 after reaching a disarmament agreement with federal authorities.
What did Sacheen Littlefeather have to say about Marlon Brando being denied an Oscar?
During the ongoing Wounded Knee conflict in 1973, Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage at the Academy Awards to accept the Best Actor Award on behalf of Marlon Brando. Littlefeather, who was 26 at the time, was booed when she entered the Oscars in traditional Native American costume. She went on to say that Brando refused to accept his award because he wanted to raise awareness about how American Indians were treated in Hollywood:
“He [Brando] unfortunately I cannot receive this truly kind honor.” And the reasons for that include the current portrayal of American Indians in the film industry.”
Littlefeather continued to speak on stage for Brando and read his self-written letter:
“At this time I ask forgiveness for intruding on this evening and that in the future our hearts and our understandings meet with love and kindness.” “On behalf of Marlon Brando, thank you.”
Actor John Wayne was reportedly held back by security during Sacheen Littlefeather’s speech because he tried to attack the actress. Clint Eastwood also attacked her remarks, saying he was there for “all the cowboys that were in all the John Ford westerns”. Speaking to The Guardian last year, Sacheen Littlefeather recounted the 1973 Oscars and confirmed that Wayne allegedly tried to harm her:
“During my presentation, he [John Wayne] he was coming towards me to forcibly remove me from the platform and had to be held down by six security guards to prevent him from doing so.”
Due to increasingly frequent conflicts, the activist stated that she had to be removed from the scene:
“Some armed guards took me off the stage. Luckily, John Wayne was standing in the wings, ready to drag me off the platform, and had to be restrained by six security guards because he was so enraged by what I said.”
The Academy finally apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather for the incident at the 1973 Academy Awards, nearly five decades later.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education