In the 1973 Academy Awards edition, “The Godfather” and “Cabaret” were vying to be the most awarded movie. These two major films, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and Bob Fosse, respectively, were receiving alternating awards until it was time for the award for ‘Best Actor’. Marlon Brando was chosen for his portrayal of Vito Corleone, although he rejected the statuette in favor of Sacheen Littlefeather.

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The actor’s gesture was a protest against the way Native Americans were represented in the Hollywood film industry, as well as the siege of Wounded Knee. He wrote a 15-page letter to justify his decision, which was not allowed to be read during the gala production.

Littlefeather, Brando and the rejected Oscar

“My name is Sacheen Littlefeather. I am Apache and president of the National Native American Committee for an Affirmative Image of Native Americans. Tonight, I come on behalf of Marlon Brando, and he has asked me to read a very long speech that I cannot share with you right now due to time constraints, but I will be happy to share it with the press later. With regret, he cannot accept this generous award. The explanation for his stance lies in how Native Americans are being treated today in the film industry,” the activist pronounced.

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The reaction from the audience, filled with the protagonists who made Hollywood a leading place in the international film industry, was varied. Some people applauded, but boos were the majority. “May our hearts and positions be reconciled with love and generosity in the future. Thank you on behalf of Marlon Brando,” concluded the speech.

The Oscars decision that ended Littlefeather’s career

Her clear stance led her to bid farewell to her acting career. She was never called for any film roles again, and there are even accounts that John Wayne, who was backstage, attempted to lunge at her, having to be restrained by six private security workers.

Fifty years later, in August 2022, the Academy apologized to her for having to endure “unjustified abuse.”

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“The emotional burden you have experienced and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable. For too long, the courage you demonstrated has not been recognized. Therefore, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincerest admiration,” the letter read, signed by David Rubin.

In what ultimately became her final public appearance, Littlefeather took the Academy’s words into consideration. “I accept the apologies not only for myself but I know they are for all our nations. They also deserve and need to hear them,” she pronounced. Just a month later, she passed away at the age of 75, but she’ll always be remembered.