The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress and activist who was booed on stage after she refused to award actor Marlon Brando an Oscar on his behalf in 1973. Nearly 50 years later, the Institute released an official statement signed by Institute President David Rubin, describing our 1973 performance as “a strong reminder of Littlefea’s value and continued importance of 1973’s message of Littlefea’s value and importance.” of human dignity.”
The actress was also praised for her bravery in her apology, which criticized the actress’ abusive past:
“The abuse you experienced as a result of your comment is unfair and unnecessary.” The emotional toll you have suffered, as well as the cost to your own career in our field, is irreversible. Your bravery has gone unnoticed for too long. We sincerely apologize and express our admiration for this.”
Scheen Littlefeather appreciates the Academy’s apology and has discussed this statement with The Hollywood Reporter. She stated:
“As for the Academy’s apology to me, we Indians are patient people – it’s only been 50 years!” We must keep our sense of humour at all times. It’s the only way for us to survive.”
1973: Native American Sacheen Littlefeather praises (and cheers) Hollywood at the Oscars before being mocked by Clint Eastwood and nearly assaulted by John Wayne for demanding that natives not be dehumanized in the film.pic.twitter.com/BgOiuBq4hR
– rafael shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) October 11, 2021
The activist also stated that she doesn’t believe she’ll live to see the Academy apologize for the 1973 incident:
“I never believed I would see the day.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s exciting to see how much has changed in the 50 years since I received the Oscar.”
In 1973, veteran actor Marlon Brando turned down a Best Actor Oscar nomination for The Godfather to protest the exploitation of Native American actors in Hollywood and draw attention to the Wounded Knee conflict. During the 1973 Academy Awards, Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather, then president of the National Commission on the Affirmative Image of Native Americans, to accept the award on his behalf to raise awareness of the Wounded Knee massacre.
What did the Knee Invalids do in 1973?
The Second Wounded Knee occupation was a famous act of protest led by more than 200 members of the Oglala Lakota and the American Indian Movement (AIM). The occupation began on February 27, 1973, when protesters occupied the village of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The protests came as the Oglala Sioux Civil Rights Organization (OSCRO) failed to impeach then-tribe president Richard Wilson, who was accused of abusing opponents and engaging in various forms of corruption. The protesters also punished the US government for not honoring treaties with Native Americans.
Protest organizers also asked the administration to renew negotiations on the treaty to ensure “fair and equal treatment of Native Americans.” The campaign received considerable media coverage and public support, and many Native Americans came to Wounded Knee to support the protest.
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was apparently chosen by protesters for its symbolic importance, as it was the site where the US Army previously massacred 90 Lakota in 1890. The group controlled the town for 71 days before leaving in May 1973 after reaching a disarmament agreement with the federal government.
What did Scheen Littlefeather say about Marlon Brando being denied an Oscar?
During the ongoing Injury Knee conflict of 1973, Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather took to the stage at the Academy Awards to accept the Best Actor award on behalf of Marlon Brando. Littlefeather, then 26, was booed as she entered the Oscars in traditional Native American garb. She went on to say that Brando declined to accept his award because he wanted to raise awareness of how American Indians are treated in Hollywood:
“He [Brando] unfortunately I cannot receive this truly kind honor.” And the reasons for that include the current portrayal of American Indians in the film industry.
Littlefeather continued to speak on stage for Brando and read his self-written letter:
“At this time, I ask forgiveness for intruding this evening and hope that in the future our hearts and understandings will be met with love and kindness.” “On behalf of Marlon Brando, thank you.”
Actor John Wayne is said to have been detained by security during Sacheen Littlefeather’s speech because he attempted to assault the actress. Clint Eastwood also attacked her remarks, saying he was there for “all the cowboys in all the west of John Ford”. Speaking to The Guardian last year, Scheen Littlefeather recounted the 1973 Oscars and confirmed that Wayne allegedly tried to harm her:
“During my presentation, he [John Wayne] he approached me to forcefully take me off the platform and had to be held by six security guards to prevent him from doing so.”
Due to increasingly frequent conflicts, the activist stated that she had to be removed from the scene:
“Some armed security guards took me off the stage. Fortunately, John Wayne was standing in the wing, ready to pull me off the stage and had to be restrained by six security guards because he was so angry at what I said.”
The Academy finally apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather for the incident at the 1973 Academy Awards, nearly five decades later.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: vcmp.edu.vn