- The Oscar Academy has apologized after nearly 50 years to Indigenous Littlefeather, who was booed at an Oscars.
- In 1973 she had rejected the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, which the actor won for his role in the mafia epic “The Godfather”.
- Littlefeather said at the time that Brando wanted to use this action to protest Hollywood’s treatment of American indigenous people.
The actress and member of the Apache tribe said on stage at the time that Brando “unfortunately could not accept this very generous award”. The audience reacted partly with applause, but partly with boos.
John Wayne wanted to attack her
Littlefeather later said Western star John Wayne wanted to physically attack her and six security guards had to hold him back. Memories of the incident were last revived in March, when actor Will Smith hit comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
“The abuse they suffered because of this statement was unacceptable and unjustified,” Oscar Academy President David Rubin wrote to Littlefeather in June.
“The emotional toll Littlefeather has endured and the cost of your career in our industry is beyond repair.” Littlefeather’s “courage” has not been recognized for far too long. “We sincerely apologize for this and at the same time express our sincere admiration.”
Addressing Racism in Hollywood
The letter was published in response to Littlefeather’s invitation to speak at the Oscar Museum in Los Angeles. The museum has made it its mission to openly address difficult chapters in Hollywood history, such as racism.
How Littlefeather was treated after her speech in 1973 is already being discussed in the museum. She herself reacted to the letter of apology with humor: “We indigenous people are very patient people – it was only 50 years ago. We have learned to respond to adversity with humor. That’s our way of surviving,” she said.