In 1973, Marlon Brando was nominated for his iconic role as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" and was widely expected to win the Best Actor Oscar. However, Brando chose to boycott the Oscars to protest Hollywood's portrayal and mistreatment of Native Americans. In his place, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist and actress, to attend the ceremony.
When Brando's name was announced as the winner, Littlefeather took the stage. Clad in traditional Apache attire, she raised her hand to decline the Oscar offered by presenter Roger Moore. The audience's reaction was mixed; some applauded her courage while others booed. Littlefeather then delivered Brando's message, explaining his reasons for rejecting the award. She criticized the film industry’s stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans and brought attention to the ongoing occupation of Wounded Knee by Native American activists.
Backstage, the reaction was equally intense. Actor John Wayne, known for his roles in numerous Westerns, was reportedly so incensed by Littlefeather’s speech that he had to be physically restrained from confronting her. Despite the controversy, Littlefeather handled the situation with grace and dignity, ensuring Brando's message was heard loud and clear. This moment remains one of the most memorable and politically charged incidents in Oscar history.
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