Want to hear more from the actors and creators of your favorite shows and films? Subscribe to The Cinema Spot on YouTube for all of our upcoming interviews!
Something about me? I have been a nerdy cinephile for as long as I can remember. Putting the two together is living my best life. That notwithstanding, I was born to express, not to impress, so I blog because I don't have friends. In other news, I like hashtags because they look like waffles, prefer my puns intended, and I always give 100% unless I'm donating blood. Thanks for reading.
The year was 1973 when America met Sacheen Littlefeather, who took center stage on behalf of Marlon Brando at the Academy Awards. It was one of the signature moments of the evening: Brando won “Best Actor” for his portrayal of Vito Corleone in The Godfather.
Liv Ullmann (Persona, Scenes from a Marriage) and Roger Moore (Bond. James Bond.) presented the award to Brando. Everyone knew it was him. In fact, Brando knew it was going to be him, which is why he sent Sacheen Littlefeather to go in his stead. She was Brando’s wingman to pull a coup–refusing the Oscar to capture America’s attention and stand up for the plight of Native Americans in exchange for it.
During those 60 seconds, Sacheen Littlefeather stood tall for her people, as the precocious pale faces perched in theater seats and rented formal wear proved to her why she said what she said. That night, a microcosm of what’s wrong with this country’s legacy was served on a cold platter, underneath a chilled cloche for everyone’s viewing pleasure.
And almost five decades later, the austere assemblage of old wankers and Boomers decided now would be an excellent time to apologize to Ms. Littlefeather. Yeah, that’s Hollywood.
Sacheen Littlefeather. Big Problem.
Did you see that? Like, all of it?
Grace under pressure. Sophistication on full display. A Native American showed the rest of the other Americans how to be proud of who you are, even though others aren’t too happy with what you are.
For her bold effort and brave words, the audience at the Oscars decided to pretend they were at a Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, or Florida State Seminoles sporting event. Heckled, booed onstage, forced to speak through mock ululations, and patrons doing “tomahawk chops.” When Sacheen Littlefeather walked off stage, the police threatened her with arrest, and other rednecks backstage offered physical assault.
Fast forward 49 years, Old Man Oscar (finally) gave Littlefeather a “formal apology:“
“The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified, The emotional burden you have lived through and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable. For too long, the courage you showed has been unacknowledged. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration.”
Former Academy president David Rubin wrote in a letter to Littlefeather (via CNN).
And when you thought Will Smith and his slap of machismo was the most harebrained moment in Oscars’ history, AMPAS would like to remind you of a moment half a century ago.
To Be Woke, The Academy Should Open Their Eyes
Procrastination is a thing. Many times, people put off the inevitable. You know what’s coming–good or bad–and that mundane task needs to get done. In 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather, now 75, didn’t even flinch, much less hesitate.
Marlon Brando asked her to do one thing–and she made history in the process. AMPAS rewards that bravery with an apology 49 years too late. And, for extra brownie points, The Academy has decided in an announcement Monday that they welcome Littlefeather for a conversation at the newly opened Academy Museum that will focus on “reflection, healing, and celebration.”
When confronted with the invitation (that has nearly 50 years of dust on it), Littlefeather offered some staggering words. Again. In that remarkable 60-second speech, she explained that Brando could not accept the award due to “the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry.”
The rest is, as we all say, history!
We Indians are very patient people — it’s only been 50 years! We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times. It’s our method of survival.
[Being asked about AMPAS’ invitation, Littlefeather said:] This is a dream come true. It is profoundly heartening to see how much has changed since I did not accept the Academy Award 50 years ago. I am so proud of each and every person who will appear on stage.
Sacheen Littlefeather, August 2022 (via Yahoo!)
Five decades ago, she stepped in the shoes of an acting deity. Fast forward to Sept. 17, 2022, Littlefeather will stand on her own and somehow will be standing tallest again.
In terms of AMPAS: Are they flexing over how “woke” they are? Not so much. But, at least their eyes are open to see what — or, more specifically, who — they have been missing all this time.
Something about me? I have been a nerdy cinephile for as long as I can remember. Putting the two together is living my best life. That notwithstanding, I was born to express, not to impress, so I blog because I don't have friends. In other news, I like hashtags because they look like waffles, prefer my puns intended, and I always give 100% unless I'm donating blood. Thanks for reading.
2 Comments on “Sacheen Littlefeather and AMPAS’ Apology 49 Years Too Late”