The Academy Is Making Amends With Sacheen Littlefeather 50 Years After She Got Booed At The Oscars

After almost half a century, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has finally apologized for its mistakes with Sacheen Littlefeather. Littlefeather was a core part of one of the most historical events in the Academy's history- Marlon Brando's rejection of his Oscar Award.

Littlefeather represented Brando at the 1973 Oscars, taking the stage to decline his Best Actor award for his performance in "The Godfather." Littlefeather explained that Brando was declining the award due to the poor treatment of American Indians in Hollywood and was immediately booed by guests at the event.

The Academy has finally offered Littlefeather a written apology for all she endured during and after the event and invited her for a conversation focusing on reflection and healing.

Read on to find out more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QUacU0I4yU

There have been several stunning moments in Oscars history, such as Jack Palance's one-armed push-ups, Envelopegate, and Will Smith's recent slapping of Chris Rock. However, one moment people will never forget was when Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage to decline Marlon Brando's 1973 Oscar for "The Godfather."

The Native American rights activist politely refused the Best Actor Award on behalf of Brando. She explained that Brando was declining the award due to "the (discriminatory) treatment of American Indians today by the film industry."

As the Apache and Yaqui-born Littlefeather spoke, several members in the audience began to boo and heckle her loudly, trying to shut down her speech. Some guests did applaud her and her statements, but it was obvious that her presence and message were not welcome.

Littlefeather's experience at the Oscars and beyond is detailed in a documentary titled "Sacheen: Breaking The Silence." In the documentary, she details how Brando enlisted her to help him protest the negative depiction of Native Americans in the film industry.

As per Deadline, she stated that Brando loved what she did but then abandoned her when the fallback hit. As a result, Littlefeather explains that she was "blacklisted" as an actress, even in small television films, and was never able to work in Hollywood again.

She said, "It was the first time anyone had made a political statement at the Oscars. It was the first Oscars ceremony to be broadcast by satellite all over the world, which is why Marlon chose it. I didn't have an evening dress so Marlon told me to wear my buckskin."

Nearly half a century after the incident, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is trying to make things right with the now 75-year-old Littlefeather. They formally offered a written apology to her for her experience during and after the 1973 ceremony.

In its statement, the Academy also announced they're welcoming Littlefeather for a conversation at the newly opened Academy Museum, a conversation that will center on "reflection, healing, and celebration."

Outgoing Academy president David Rubin wrote, "The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified. The emotional burden you have lived through and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable. For too long the courage you showed has been unacknowledged. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration."

In a statement released by the Academy, Littlefeather accepted the apology. She wrote, "We Indians are very patient people — it's only been 50 years! We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times. It's our method of survival. I never thought I'd live to see the day for this program to take place."

The statement concluded with, "This is a dream come true. It is profoundly heartening to see how much has changed since I did not accept the Academy Award 50 years ago. I am so proud of each and every person who will appear on stage."

Many fans are also happy that Littlefeather finally got the apology she deserved, even if many insist that the Academy delayed for too long and should offer Littlefeather more than just an apology and a conversation.