Sacheen Littlefeather

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Sacheen Littlefeather Received An Apology From The Academy

Sacheen Littlefeather

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued an apology to Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American actress and activist who was jeered offstage in 1973 after she declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar on his behalf.

In a statement issued by Academy President David Rubin, the Academy described Littlefeather’s 1973 performance as “a powerful message that continues to remind us of the importance of respect and the worth of human dignity.”

The actress was also praised for her courage in the apology, which addressed her past abuse:

The hostility you received in response to your comment was unjustified and unnecessary. The emotional toll you have borne and the damage to your career in our sector are irreversible.

Your bravery has been unrecognized for far too long. We extend our deepest apologies and convey our admiration.”

Sacheen Littlefeather was appreciative of the Academy’s apologies, and she reviewed the remarks with The Hollywood Reporter. She declared:

“We Indians are a patient people; it’s just been fifty years since the Academy apologized to me!” We must always preserve our sense of humor. It’s the only way for us to survive.”

The activist also added that she did not expect she would see The Academy apologize for the 1973 incident throughout her lifetime.

“I never thought I would see this day.” This is an exceptional opportunity. It is wonderful to observe how much has changed in the fifty years since I declined the Academy Award.

In order to protest the abuse of Native American actors in Hollywood and draw attention to the Wounded Knee crisis, veteran actor Marlon Brando declined his Best Actor Oscar nomination for The Godfather in 1973.

Brando dispatched Sacheen Littlefeather, president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee at the time, to decline the award on his behalf at the 1973 Oscars in order to bring attention to the Wounded Knee massacre.

What was the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973?

Over 200 Oglala Lakota and American Indian Movement (AIM) members spearheaded the second Wounded Knee Occupation, a high-profile protest action.

The occupation began on February 27, 1973, when activists seized control of the South Dakota village of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The protest resulted from the failure of the Oglala Sioux Civil Rights Organization (OSCRO) to impeach former tribal president Richard Wilson, who was accused of abusing opponents and indulging in various sorts of corruption.

Protesters also criticized the United States government for violating treaties with indigenous people.

In order to secure “fair and equal treatment of Native Americans,” protest organizers also urged that treaty discussions be renewed.

Numerous Native Americans journeyed to Wounded Knee to support the protest, which garnered substantial media coverage and public backing.

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was presumably picked for its symbolic significance by the protestors, as it was the site where 90 Lakota were massacred by the United States army in 1890.

After striking a disarmament agreement with federal authorities, the group vacated the town after 71 days of possession in May 1973.

What did Sacheen Littlefeather have to say about the Oscar rejection of Marlon Brando?

During the 1973 Wounded Knee crisis, the Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather refused the Best Actor Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando.

Littlefeather, then 26 years old, was jeered when she wore traditional Native American attire to the Oscars ceremony. She went on to add that Brando withdrew his award because he wanted to bring attention to how Hollywood treats American Indians.

He [Brando] is unable to accept this incredibly wonderful honor. And one reason for this is the contemporary portrayal of American Indians in the film industry.”

Littlefeather then spoke onstage in Brando’s stead and read his autobiographical letter:

“At this time, I ask for pardon for interrupting this evening, and I hope that in the future, our hearts and understandings will meet with love and care.” “Thank you on behalf of Marlon Brando.”

During Sacheen Littlefeather’s speech, security reportedly detained actor John Wayne because he attempted to assault the actress. Clint Eastwood also criticized her views, adding that he was present for “all the cowboys shot in all of John Ford’s Westerns.”

Last year, while speaking with The Guardian, Sacheen Littlefeather recalled the 1973 Oscars and confirmed that Wayne allegedly attempted to kill her:

“During my presentation, he [John Wayne] attempted to forcibly remove me off the stage, and six security guards had to restrain him to prevent him from doing so.”

The activist indicated that she must be removed from the site due to the escalating hostilities.

“Armed security officers escorted me from the stage. John Wayne was so enraged by what I had said that he had to be held by six security officers.

Almost five decades later, the Academy has finally issued an apology to Sacheen Littlefeather for the incident at the 1973 Oscars.

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