|
Littlefeather, who the Hollywood Reporter said
died at her home in California on Sunday surrounded by loved
ones, was catapulted to fame when her friend Brando boycotted
the 45th Oscars ceremony over what he viewed as the
stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans in films and on
television.
Taking to the stage in a traditional buckskin dress to refuse
the Oscar - awarded for Brando's portrayal of Vito Corleone in
"The Godfather - in his stead, she gave a critical speech on the
same issue, also drawing attention to a protest at Wounded Knee,
South Dakota against the mistreatment of American Indians.
She was booed off for her remarks and boycotted by the film
industry for decades.
This year Littlefeather, who had been diagnosed with breast
cancer, received a belated apology letter from then-Academy
president David Rubin, and last month the Academy Museum of
Motion Pictures held an event in her honour.
"I was representing all indigenous voices out there, all
indigenous people, because we have never been heard in that way
before," she said, reflecting on what happened in 1973.
(Reporting by Sarah Mills; editing by John Stonestreet)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.]
|
|
