In 1973, Native Americans had “virtually no representation in the film industry and were primarily used as extras,” Native American studies scholar Dina Gilio-Whitaker writes. “Leading roles depicting Indians in several generations of Westerns were almost always given to white actors.”
But they weren’t just neglected or replaced in film; they were disrespected — a realization that crippled Brando’s image of the industry.
In the clip you are about to see Marlon Brando talks about the treatment of native Americans or Indians at the hands of white colonialists and the values of freedom and equality in USA.
On the eve of the 45th Academy Awards, Brando announced that he would boycott the ceremony and send Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. A little-known actress, she was then-president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee.
The crowd booed. Littlefeather looked down and said “excuse me.” Others in the audience began to clap, cheering her on. She continued only briefly, to “beg” that her appearance was not an intrusion and that they will “meet with love and generosity” in the future.
Watch the scene unfold:
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The post Marlon Brando Rejected His 1973 Oscar for ‘The Godfather’. This Is Why. appeared first on Educate Inspire Change.