Famous actor Marlon Brando refused the Oscar award he won in 1973 for his movie The Godfather, and asked 26-year-old Sacheen Littlefeather to appear on the stage at the ceremony to announce that he refused the award given to him.
Brando, protesting the US film industry’s portrayal of Indians as barbaric and murderous, sent an Indian instead and refused the award. Taking the stage as the subject of Brando’s protest, Littlefeather was faced with boos and racist rhetoric.
ACADEMY APPEAL
According to the news reported by NTV; The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscar ceremonies, sent a letter to Littlefeather in June, saying it formally apologized after 50 years.
Academy President David Rubin said in a statement. “The abuse you suffered was unwarranted and unjustified. The emotional burden you experienced and the cost of your own career in our industry are irreparable.” he wrote. Rubin also “Your courage has not been recognized for a very long time. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our most sincere admiration.” said.
SPECIAL EVENT ORGANIZED
Littlefeather has now officially accepted the apology.
Held for him at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather” Littlefeather, who attended the special event called “I am here to accept this apology. I accept knowingly that not only me, but also all our nations should hear and deserve this apology tonight.” said.
littlefeather, “Now, I want all Indians in the audience to stand up,” he said, then said, “Look at our people, look at each other and be proud that we all stood as survivors.” used the phrase.
Littlefeather’s words “Please always remind me that when I die, every time you stand up for your truth, you will keep my voice, the voice of our nations and our people alive. I will remain Sacheen Littlefeather. Thank you.” he finished.
“HELLO, I AM AN Apache”
Littlefeather, now 75, was the first Native American to perform at the Oscars at the time. Littlefeather, a member of the actors’ union, gave a speech that denounced the prejudices in the entertainment industry against Native Americans in his iconic 60-second speech, using the following statements:
“Hello, I’m an Apache, and I’m also the chairman of the National Committee for Positive Representation of Native Americans. I’m here representing Marlon Brando tonight. He asked me to deliver this speech, which I cannot share with you at the moment due to time constraints. I will be happy to share this speech with the press at the exit. “Unfortunately, Brando said he wouldn’t accept the award. And it’s because of the way the film industry treats Native Americans. I hope I’m not ruining your evening, that in the future our hearts and minds will come together with love and generosity. On behalf of Marlon Brando, I thank you.”