10/11/2023
Sacheen Littlefeather who refused to accept an Oscar On Marlon Brando behalf in 1973 has finally received and apology from The Academy.
When she stepped on stage at the Oscar’s this is what she said.
“Hello. My name is Sacheen Littlefeather. I'm Apache and I am president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee. I'm representing Marlon Brando this evening and he has asked me to tell you in a very long speech, which I cannot share with you presently because of time but I will be glad to share with the press afterwards, that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry – excuse me – and on television in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee. I beg at this time that I have not intruded upon this evening and that we will in the future, our hearts and our understandings will meet with love and generosity. Thank you on behalf of Marlon Brando.”
Despite the boos and jeers coming from the audience, she maintained her composure. John Wayne attempted to physically attack her as she exited the platform and had to be restrained by security. By claiming that he was giving the medal on behalf of "all the cowboys shot in all the John Ford Westerns," Clint Eastwood made fun of her. Littlefeather was thereafter put on a Hollywood blacklist and never again engaged in the film business.
On September 17, 2022, Littlefeather will return to the Academy once again as a guest of honor.
