Why Academy apologised to actor Sacheen Littlefeather

When Marlon Brando won best actor for ‘The Godfather‘ at the 1973 Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather took the stage, becoming the first Native American woman ever to do so at the Academy Awards. In a 60-second speech, she declined the award on behalf of Brando, explaining that he could not accept the award due to “the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry.” Some in the audience booed her during her speech. Actor John Wayne, who was backstage at the time, was reportedly furious. In the years since, Littlefeather, who is 75 now, has said she’s been mocked, discriminated against and personally attacked for her Oscars appearance.

On Monday, nearly 50 years after the incident, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences apologized to her for the abuse she endured and said that it will host Littlefeather for an evening of “conversation, healing and celebration” on September 17.

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In making the announcement, the Academy Museum shared a letter sent June 18 to Littlefeather by David Rubin, academy president, about the Oscar moment.

Rubin called Littlefeather’s speech “a powerful statement that continues to remind us of the necessity of respect and the importance of human dignity.”

“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.”

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Littlefeather, in a statement, said it is “profoundly heartening to see how much has changed since I did not accept the Academy Award 50 years ago.”

“Regarding the Academy’s apology to me, we Indians are very patient people — it’s only been 50 years!” said Littlefeather.

“We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times. It’s our method of survival.”