In 1973, the actress, who died on Sunday, October 2, refused the award on behalf of Marlon Brando to protest the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry.
“I knew I had to tell the truth,” he said in mid-September. Some people can take it. And some don’t.” Actress Sachin Littlefeather, who died on Sunday, October 2, aged 75, had a stormy night to remember – the 1973 Academy Awards. The activist, of Apache and Yak descent, at the time turned down the prestigious award in favor of Marlon. Brando won Best Actor for his role The godfather (1972). All this with the aim of condemning the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry at the time.
Persona non grata
“Tonight I’m introducing Marlon Brando and he asked me to read you a very long speech that I can’t share with you right now because he started (…). It is with great regret that he cannot accept this very generous award.” “And the reason why he can’t is because of the way the film industry treats Native Americans, but also the way they’re treated in the television world (… )”
And the young woman, on the verge of tears, concluded: “I hope I didn’t mess up tonight, and that in the future our hearts and our compassion will be filled with love and generosity. Marlon Brando thanks you.” A speech condemned by the audience, which was quick to express its displeasure. So much so that Western star John Wayne couldn’t help but attack Sasha Littlefeather as he left the stage. The incident later caused difficulties for the young woman, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, to get a job in Hollywood.
Apologies to the Academy
In mid-August, nearly fifty years after the incident, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologized to the actress in a letter. “The insults you have suffered because of this statement were unwarranted and unwarranted,” wrote then-Academy President David Rubin. The emotional burden you have endured and the cost to your own career in our industry is irreparable.»
Before continuing. For this, we offer you our sincerest apologies and (express to you) our sincere admiration.» Sachin Littlefeather responded to this mea culpa on September 17 at an event at the Los Angeles Film Academy Museum. At that time, he felt that it was “never too late to apologize” nor “to forgive”.
Source: Le Figaro
