[52] For the performance he was nominated for Best Actor at the 45th Academy Awards, which were presented on March 27, 1973, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Brando, Littlefeather, and the Academy Awards. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [121] In the piece, a character from Orange's novel There, There writes to Brando about what it meant to see Littlefeather at the Oscars. She delivered a short speech on behalf of Brando declining acceptance of the award. Legal Statement. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist Marlon Brando sent to the 1973 Academy Awards to decline the lead actor Oscar he won for "The Godfather," died Sunday at age 75. He instead sent Sacheen Littlefeather (born Marie Cruz), a young Apache/Yaqui activist who had participated in the Alcatraz Island occupation. All rights reserved. Sacheen Littlefeather, the actor and activist who declined Marlon Brando's 1973 Academy Award for "The Godfather" on his behalf in an indelible protest of Hollywood's portrayal of Native. She wore a buckskin dress and moccasins. How Did Sacheen Littlefeather Die? Cause of Death, Marlon Brando Oscars Russell Means contended that "Marlon Brando and Sacheen Littlefeather totally uplifted" the lives of those at Wounded Knee. Gilio-Whitaker, Dina. She's a friend of mine that I introduced to B She's an Indian princess. It took nearly 50 years, but in June 2022 they issued a formal apology to Littlefeather and on September 17 an event was held in her honor at the Academy Museum. Her . Entertainment | Littlefeather, who appeared nervous during her speech and was booed by a few attendees, received both harassment and praise after the event. [18][19] In 1969, she joined the United Bay Indian Council. He objected to the way Native Americans were represented in the movies. However, Littlefeather claimed she felt "abandoned" by Brando when she was faced withthe intense backlash. In a 1974 interview, she stated that her mother left her father when she was 4 and took her to live with her maternal grandparents. Native Americans had virtually no representation in the film industry in 1973, and they were primarily used as extras while lead roles depicting Indians in several generations of Westerns were almost always awarded to white actors. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando's Best Actor Oscar for him in a memorable 1973 speech, passed away on Sunday. Littlefeather represented Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973, where she on Brando's behalf declined the Best Actor award that he won for his performance in The Godfather. At the time, Brando was a top Hollywood supporter of the American Indian Movement and acquainted with Littlefeather through her neighbor, Francis Ford Coppola. (2021, December 6). While some in the audience applauded Littlefeather, her presence at the awards ruffled feathers. [97][98] She criticized the use of an Indian-themed mascot at Tomales High in 2001. And while Brando's motives weren't fully appreciated at the time, today it's clear that he was ahead of his time. [120] Author Tommy Orange was commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's Open Space platform to write a piece called "Dear Marlon Brando" as part of the magazine Alcatraz Is Not an Island, commemorating the 50th anniversary. The actress had disputed similar claims before", "Screen: 'Trial of Billy Jack,' a Sequel", "Sacheen Littlefeather's Oral History: The Oscars, Marlon Brando and a Legacy of Activism", Text, audio, video of the Academy Award speech, Sacheen Littlefeather reads Brando's Oscar speech for first time publicly. He then shared that he knew that others were afraid to speak up about these issues, but felt that it was important not to be silent. Some may not realize that Brando was not only a great actor but also an activist and had been highly involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! (Bettmann via Getty Images). (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group), Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr., Rebecca Brando, Sacheen Littlefeather (born Marie Louise Cruz, 1946 - 2022) and Christian Bale attend the Red Nation Film Festival And Awards Ceremony at Laemmle's Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre on November 15, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. In 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather declined an Oscar on which actor's Riveting new S.F. The Native American actor and activist has died of breast cancer at age 75. The allegations emerged into public view in October when Native American journalist Jacqueline Keeler published an investigation into the Mexican ancestry of Littlefeathers California-born father, Manuel Cruz. Where did that come from?. Academy representatives have said the organization recognizes self-identification. But it has inserted a disclaimer at the start of a three-hour interview with Littlefeather, posted on its YouTube channel, that says oral histories should not be understood as statements of fact. In that interview, Littlefeather claims she was raised in poverty by an abusive alcoholic father and that she was abandoned by her parents who were too mentally ill to care for her. [85][86], She described the Academy's apology to her as "a dream come true", and said that "we Indians are very patient peopleit's only been 50 years!" Sacheen Littlefeather holds a written statement from actor Marlon Brando refusing his Best Actor Oscar on stage at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images), LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Activist Sacheen Littlefeather (L) and producer of the movie Christina Fon (R) attend the Q&A at the SAG President's National Task Force For American Indians & NBC Universal Premiere Screening Of "Reel indian" & "American Indian Actors" At LA Skins Fest on November 20, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Brando's speech addressed the stereotypes of Native Americans in films long before the subject would be taken seriously in the industry. [43], In 1975, Littlefeather reported that she was working on a movie script about Edward S. Curtis with Cap Weinberger, Jr, who had written an article about Curtis for Smithsonian magazine. She couldnt have been more Native, said Neconie, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma of New Mexico and former UC Berkeley assistant director of undergraduate admissions. At the time of the Oscars, she had known Brando for nearly a year. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [applause][60], Moore escorted Littlefeather off-stage, past several people critical of her, and towards the press. Rather, he sent Apache activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his stead to reject the . Market data provided by Factset. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group), Trudy Orlandi keeps of her sister Maria Cruz in the second grade at her home in San Anselmo, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. She had been battling breast cancer since 2018, and the disease metastasized to other parts of her body. VisitMy Modern Met Media. On behalf of Marlon Brando, she refused the Best Actor award he was awarded for his role in . [2][3] Although some of her distant family may have been born in Pima/Oodham tribal territory in Sonora, Mexico, scholars have stated that actual tribal members in these communities would have been a minority during the time. [23] Later, though, Littlefeather said she was blacklisted by the Hollywood community and received threats. [23] She played the role of Paleflower in Winterhawk, filmed in Kalispell, Montana. The registry was founded in the early 1980s by Muscogee actor Will Sampson, who worked with the American Native Association to publish a directory of American Indians in the arts and entertainment fields. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist and actress who famously declined an Oscar on behalf of actor Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards, has died at 75, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Sunday. [5][101] In 1991, Littlefeather was reported to be recovering from radical cancer surgery. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [103] Littlefeather also described herself as one of the original teachers in St. Mary's Traditional Indian Medicine program,[5][104] which consisted of a series of conferences held between 1984 and 1990 and was coordinated by Comanche medicine man Edgar Monetathchi, Jr, who worked for the Indian Health Service and was the first medicine man to be employed full-time by a Catholic hospital. Academy Apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather Over Marlon Brando Oscar Two weeks before her death, the Academy honored her at an event called "An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather." In 1973, riding high off the success ofThe Godfather, actor Marlon Brando used his platform to give a voice to Native Americans. She spent a year in Agnews Insane Asylum in Santa Claraand was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which can include mood swings, hallucinations and delusions. The outlet shared that after the speech, Littlefeather went to Brandos house. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! "Brando, Littlefeather, and the Academy Awards." [4][5] Her mother, Geroldine Marie Cruz (ne Barnitz), was a leather stamper of French, German, and Dutch descent, and was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met. In 1964 during a fish-in, which was a protest to honor fishing rights on Puget Sound promised to Native American tribes, he was even arrested. [5][27] She reported having tuberculosis at age four and received treatment in an oxygen tent while hospitalized. The strange, sad tale of Sacheen Littlefeather:, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. The lawyer's letter claimed that Cruz was her married name. Sacheen Littlefeather, who declined Marlon Brando's Oscar for "The Godfather" on his behalf at the 1973 Academy Awards, died Sunday, the Academy of Motion Pictures said. [92] She served as an advisor to PBS's Dance in America: Song for Dead Warriors (1984), which earned its choreographer, Michael Smuin, an Emmy Award. Littlefeather was a budding model and actress, and she agreed to represent him. The Associated Press contributed to this report. [73] Brando and Littlefeather's protest was generally considered inappropriate for the awards ceremony. [45] She continued to pursue acting opportunities, such as touring with the "Red Earth Theater Company". Since Littlefeathers death in Novato on Oct. 2 at age 75, Orlandi, 72, and another sister, Rosalind Cruz, 65, have ignited an uproar in Native American circles by alleging their estranged activist sister spent 50 years faking an identity as White Mountain Apache and Yaqui. Sacheen Littlefeather stunned Hollywood when she was sent on behalf of Marlon Brando to reject his 1973 Oscar for best actor in "The Godfather." Nearly 50 years later, the Native American. Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. The favorite to win, Brando boycotted the ceremony as a protest against Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans and to draw attention to the standoff at Wounded Knee. Sacheen Littlefeather addressing the 45th Academy Awards in October 1973, declining Marlon Brando's Oscar for best actor on his behalf. ", Sacheen Littlefeather is the subject of a new documentary titled 'Sacheen: Breaking The Silence.' Academy Apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather Over Marlon Brando Oscar He'd also supported Native American causes for years. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist Marlon Brando sent to the 1973 Academy Awards to decline the lead actor Oscar he won for "The Godfather," died Sunday at age 75.. In June 2022, the Academy sent Littlefeather a statement of apology that was read in full at An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather on September 17, two weeks before her death. Littlefeather walked onto the stage and raised her hand to decline the Oscar trophy that Moore offered her. "I was blacklisted or, you could say, redlisted," she explained. LaNada War Jack, one of the student organizers of the 19-month-long Native American occupation of Alcatraz that started in 1969, told this news organization: We applauded her when she spoke at the Oscars but we knew she wasnt Native.. Entertainment | Sacheen Littlefeather, activist who declined Marlon Brando's Oscar No one was without an opinion and some Hollywood stars are remembered for the stands they would take, even if they were unpopular and controversial. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration," he added. [37][112] Obituaries for Littlefeather's father and maternal grandmother do not mention a biological son in the family, only Littlefeather and her two younger sisters. [109][110] She campaigned against obesity, alcoholism, and diabetes, and specifically assisted Native Americans with AIDS. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando's Best Actor Oscar for him in a memorable 1973 speech, passed away on Sunday. Gilio-Whitaker, Dina. Sacheen Littlefeather, Native American civil rights activist who Academy Apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather for 'Mistreatment' Upon Turning Down Marlon Brando's Oscar Littlefeather was asked by Best Actor winner Brando to turn down the award in 1973. When Brando was announced as the winner, Littlefeather took the stage dressed in full native regalia. [84], In June 2022, the Academy sent Littlefeather a statement of apology, in which the organization's then-president David Rubin wrote: "The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified. [6][5][7] Littlefeather's father was Manuel Ybarra Cruz of Oxnard, California,[8] who Littlefeather identified as having White Mountain Apache and Yaqui ancestry. Sacheen Littlefeather, actress and activist who declined an Oscar for I'm representing Marlon Brando this evening, and he has asked me to tell you in a very long speech which I cannot share with you presently, because of time, but I will be glad to share with the press afterwards, that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. Sacheen Littlefeather, who declined Brando Oscar, dies at 75 - Los Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Entertainment | Sacheen Littlefeather - Wikipedia FILE - Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, tells the audience at the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, March 27, 1973, that Marlon Brando was declining to accept his Oscar as best actor for his role in "The Godfather." He had also participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and he supported the work of Dr. Martin Luther King. Demanding a regime change from the U.S.-backed tribal government that had been mistreating the reservation's residents for years, the occupiers found themselves in a 71-day armed battle against the FBI and the U.S. [2][3], Littlefeather was born Marie Louise Cruz on November 14, 1946, in Salinas, California. [44] She emceed an evening performance at the United National Indian Tribal Youth conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1976. "He told me Id done a great job," she said. Attempts were made at non-violent protests the Alcatraz occupation was completely nonviolent although it lasted well over a year but there were times when violence seemed like the only way to bring attention to the problem. Sacheen Littlefeathers work on famed San Francisco ballet among suspect claims. Brando was also highly dissatisfied with the way Hollywood treated American Indians. By 1949, they had moved to Salinas and opened up their own business, Cruz Saddlery. Things did not go quite as planned. The strange, sad tale of Sacheen Littlefeather: Did Marlon Brando's Later, however, he became critical of Israel and supported the Palestinian cause. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I didnt have an evening dress so Marlon told me to wear my buckskin. She had been instructed by Brando not to touch the Oscar and, rather, read an eight-page statement. Instead, she was given 60 seconds. Sacheen Littlefeather, Who Carried Out Oscars Protest, Dies [57] She also said that media reports published several falsehoods, such as that she was not Native American or had rented the outfit for the occasion. The San Francisco Ballet confirmed she worked as an advisor for the Emmy-winning 1984 telecast of Michael Smuins Song for Dead Warriors, and she served as a board member of the American Indian AIDS Institute.