Nearly 50 years after Satchen Littlefeather stepped onto the Academy Awards stage on behalf of Marlon Brando to speak out about portrayals of indigenous peoples in Hollywood films, the Film Academy Arts and Sciences apologized to her for the abuse she suffered. announced that he would invite them to the "Celebration" night.
When Brando won Best Actor for Little Feather of The Godfathertook the stage in a buckskin dress and moccasins, making her first Academy Award debut. Became an indigenous woman. In a 60-second speech, she explained that the brand was unable to accept the award because of "the film industry's treatment of American Indians today."
Attacked with discrimination
Some of the audience booed her. John Wayne, who was backstage at the time, was reportedly furious. The 1973 Academy Awards were held while her American Indian movement occupied her injured knee in South Dakota for two months. Littlefeather has since said she was ridiculed, discriminated against, and personally attacked for her appearance at the Academy Awards.
In making the announcement,the Academy Museum shared a letter about the iconic Oscars moment sent to Littlefeather on June 18 from then- Academy President David Rubin. Rubin called Littlefeather's speech "a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the need for respect and the importance of human dignity."
"The abuse you suffered because of this statement was unjustified and unjustified," Rubin wrote. "The emotional toll you have experienced and the toll on your own career in our industry is irreparable. The courage you have shown has gone unrecognized for far too long. For this, we offer both our heartfelt apologies and heartfelt admiration.”
Littlefeather said in a statement, "How much has changed since I didn't win an Academy Award 50 years ago.
"We Indians are very patient people when it comes to the Academy's apology to me — it's only been 50 years!" Littlefeather said. "We always have to keep a sense of humor about this. That's how we survive." Take a seat for a conversation with Co-Chair and Producer Bird Runningwater.
In a podcast with Jacqueline Stewart, director of the Academy Museum earlier this year, Littlefeather said she was forced to speak out in 1973. I looked back on why.
"I felt there should be Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, Chicanos. I felt it should include everyone," said Littlefeather. The rainbow of people who need to be involved in creating the '.
