The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday published a letter to Littlefeather, who in 1973, on behalf of Marlon Brando, rejected the Oscar the actor won for his role in the mafia epic The Godfather.
The actress and member of the Apache tribe said on stage at the time that Brando “unfortunately could not accept this very generous award”. He wanted to protest against Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. The audience reacted partly with applause, but partly with boos.
Littlefeather later said Western star John Wayne wanted to physically attack her and six security guards had to hold him back. Memories of the incident were last revived in March, when actor Will Smith punched comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
“The abuse you suffered because of that statement was unjustifiable and unjustified,” Oscar Academy President David Rubin wrote to Littlefeather in June. “The emotional burden you have endured and the cost of your career in our industry is beyond repair.” Littlefeather’s “courage” hasn’t been recognized for far too long. “We sincerely apologize for this and at the same time express our sincere admiration.”
The letter was published in response to Littlefeather’s invitation to speak at the Oscar Museum in Los Angeles. The museum has made it its mission to openly address difficult chapters in Hollywood history, such as racism. How Littlefeather was treated after her speech in 1973 is already being discussed in the museum.
Littlefeather responded to the apology letter with humor. “We indigenous people are very patient people – it was only 50 years ago!” Indigenous people learned to respond to adversity with humor. “This is our method of survival.”
Source: Nachrichten
