In a groundbreaking moment for the film industry, Lily Gladstone has secured a historic nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. The talented actress, known for her role in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” portrays the character of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman and a significant historical figure.
If Gladstone clinches the award, she will not only make history as the first Native American woman to win in this category but also as the first indigenous actress to achieve such a prestigious accolade. Her nomination follows closely on the heels of her victory at the 2024 Golden Globes, where she became the first indigenous woman to win the Best Actress award.
During her Golden Globes acceptance speech, Gladstone expressed gratitude in the Blackfeet language, emphasizing her deep connection to the “beautiful community and nation” that played a crucial role in shaping her identity. She also acknowledged her mother, who, despite not being Blackfeet, worked tirelessly to incorporate the Blackfeet language into their lives.
Gladstone’s triumph sheds light on the historical misrepresentation of indigenous communities in Hollywood. She highlighted the past practice of Native actors delivering lines in English, only to have them reversed in post-production to simulate Native languages on screen.
The actress humbly shared her victory, stating, “This is a historic win; it doesn’t belong to just me. I’m holding it with all of my beautiful sisters in the film and my mother. I’m standing on all of your shoulders.”
As the Oscar ceremony approaches, Gladstone faces stiff competition from fellow nominees, including Carey Mulligan, Sandra Hüller, Emma Stone, and Annette Bening. Regardless, her remarkable performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” has already earned her praise and awards, making her a standout in the industry.
In the film, Gladstone’s character, Mollie Burkhart, is entangled in a tragic tale of love and betrayal as she marries Ernest Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The storyline revolves around the white man’s involvement in the murder of Osage Nation members, part of a sinister plot to seize oil rights on their land.
Despite her pride in the film and appreciation for the contributions of the Osage Nation members, Gladstone remains candid about the movie’s depiction of violence and brutality. Her nomination marks a significant milestone, shedding light on the underrepresentation of indigenous women in the Lead Actress category at the Oscars. Alongside Gladstone, Yalitza Aparicio and Keisha Castle-Hughes have also earned nominations in previous years, contributing to a growing recognition of indigenous talent in the film industry.
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