Sacheen Littlefeather was an actress and Native American activist who made news when she appeared at the 1973 Academy Awards to decline Marlon Brando’s (1924–2004) Oscar.
- Died: October 2, 2022 (Who else died on October 2?)
- Details of death: Died at her home in Novato, California after fighting breast cancer at the age of 75.
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1973 Oscars
Born Marie Louise Cruz, Littlefeather met Brando when she was a young activist who had heard about his interest in Native American issues. When he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “The Godfather,” he decided he would decline the award to help call attention to harmful representation of Native Americans in Hollywood, as well as to the ongoing activism at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. When Brando won the Oscar, Littlefeather took the stage but was told she couldn’t read the full 739-word speech he had prepared. Given 60 seconds to speak, Littlefeather improvised a brief explanation and was booed by some audience members, while others applauded. Presenters later in the night mocked the incident, and the Academy later banned winners from having their awards accepted by proxy.
Later career and activism
Littlefeather appeared in a handful of movies, including “The Trial of Billy Jack.” She co-founded Seattle’s Red Earth Indian Theater Company and the American Indian Registry for Performing Arts. She began her life of activism at the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz and later worked with organizations including the American Indian AIDS Institute of San Francisco and the St. Mary’s Traditional Indian Medicine program. In 2019, Littlefeather was honored with the Brando Award at the Red Nation International Film Festival. Just two weeks before her death, the Academy presented “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather,” in which a formal apology was read, acknowledging her courage and the abuse she met after her delivery of Brando’s message.
Notable quote
“I am here accepting this apology not only for me alone, but as an acknowledgment, knowing that it was not only for me but for all of our Nations, who all so need to hear and deserve this apology. Please, when I am gone, always be reminded that whenever you stand for your truth, you will be keeping my voice and the voices of our Nations and our people alive.” —from Littlefeather’s statement upon receiving the Academy’s apology
Tributes to Sacheen Littlefeather
Full obituary: The Los Angeles Times
