Survey on Academy Awards Apologizing to Sacheen Littlefeather for Oscars Speech

After nearly 50 years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences publicly apologized to Marie Louise Cruz, better known as Sacheen Littlefeather, for her humiliation at the 1973 Academy Awards.

The first Native American woman to stand onstage in an Academy Award ceremony was Sacheen Littlefeather. On behalf of Marlon Brando and at his request, Littlefeather did not accept Brando’s Best Actor award for The Godfather. Instead, she delivered a passionate 60-second speech – summarized from a “very long speech” written by Brando – about the prejudices against Native Americans portrayed in the entertainment industry.

Littlefeather hoped that her speech would demonstrate that Indigenous activism stems from a basic desire for equality and fairness. However, at that moment, she was booed onstage, heckled with mock ululations and so-called “tomahawk chops” offstage, professionally boycotted, harassed, threatened with arrest and physical assault, and discriminated against for the next 50 years.

In June, Littlefeather received an apology letter signed by former Academy President David Rubin. “For too long, the courage you showed has been unacknowledged. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration.” Littlefeather, now 75, will return to the Academy in September as an honored guest for an evening of reflection at the Academy Museum.

The industry does seem to be making strides forward, especially with the rise of Indigenous film festivals. However, in general, by nearly every social, cultural, physical, and economic measure, contemporary Native American communities and families continue to struggle. Thus, Real Research aims to gather a public understanding of the historical damage and how many still experience discrimination up to this day.

Hence, hurry and answer the survey on the Academy Apologizing to Sacheen Littlefeather over 1973 Oscars incident on the Real Research app from August 19, 2022. After that, you will receive 25 TNC as a reward.