The Hollywood Film Academy reported today that it has apologized to the native actress who was booed nearly 50 years ago for turning down the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando in protest at the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans.
Actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather, of indigenous Apache and Yaqui communities, was interrupted at the 1973 Academy Awards when she explained why the absent Brando could not accept the Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather.
Brando had asked Sacheen to reject the award on his behalf, in an act of dismissing the industry’s stance on tribal peoples. She later said that security prevented veteran actor John Wayne from physically assaulting her.
“The abuse he suffered as a result of this testimony was groundless and unjustified,” reads the apology letter sent to Sacheen by thenPresident David Rubin in June. “The emotional toll you have taken and the cost of your own career in our industry is beyond repair.”
“The courage you have shown has gone unrecognized for a long time. For this we sincerely apologize and offer our sincere appreciation,” adds the text, which the Academy published with the announcement that Sacheen has been invited to speak at the Museum Filmtheater next month the Los Angelesbased organization that has vowed to tackle the Oscars’ “troubled history,” including racism.
“As an apology from the Academy, we Indians are very patient people, it’s only been 50 years!” responded the indigenous activist. “We always have to keep our sense of humor. It’s our method of survival,” he explained, calling the upcoming event “a dream come true.” “It’s deeply encouraging to see how much has changed since I didn’t accept an Oscar 50 years ago.”
The academy has taken steps in recent years to counter allegations of a lack of racial diversity. In 2019, The Last of the Mohicans star Wes Studi became the first Native American actor to receive an Oscar for life.
The event with Sacheen Littlefeather, described as “a very special program of conversation, reflection, healing and celebration,” will take place on September 17th.