They had the opportunity to speak with Mollie Burkhart's granddaughter, Margie. What did she say about Mollie that surprised you or what you incorporated into the character?
What a caring mother she was. Margie said that Mollie blew tobacco smoke into his ears when her father, Cowboy, had chronic ear infections and earaches, which many older people did at home where I grew up. And Margie herself is so smart, down to earth and loving. When we first met, her body language, her intonation, and the way I could see the thoughts turning in her head influenced the way I shaped Mollie. Her observational, wry humor, her intelligence, her ability to read what was going on in the room, and her warmth all stood out. I know these things are inherited through family, so I think the biggest clue to who Mollie would have been is the way she is reflected in her grandchildren.
After your historic win at the Golden Globes, you spoke a few lines in the language of your people, the Blackfeet Tribe. When and how did you become interested in studying Blackfeet?
Since I grew up on my reservation, I picked it up. I don't speak fluently. One of the first phrases we learn is how to introduce yourself to a group of people. You say your Blackfeet name and then also tell everyone where you're from, what people you're from, which is what I did at the Globes. I wouldn't have been on this stage if my community hadn't recognized my talent and love for acting early in my life. Performing and telling stories has always been synonymous with my name; I have always been encouraged to do this, in whatever form. There have been many years when acting has been a means of teaching and teaching about our history, particularly the Native American residential school experience.
After my speech at the Globes, it was moving to see the response from Blackfeet people on TikTok and Facebook. A family had taken in their little girl who is learning Blackfeet as well as English, and when she heard me speak, she started talking to the screen in Blackfeet, and when I finished speaking, she said, “It's good .” [in Blackfeet]. For example: “That was good.” That just broke my heart.
Do you have any favorites among the nominated films?
I'm thrilled to see the love for American Fiction. And to see Danielle Brooks persevere throughout The Color Purple – she's incredible. And Sandra [Hüller’s] Work, oh my god. And then people I've been observing for years – being in conversations alongside Annette Bening, being in rooms, was overwhelming and so touching. I'm happy about everyone.