The Academy of the Oscars apologized this Monday to Sacheen Littlefeather, actress and activist who was booed during the 45th edition of the awards.
In 1973, Marlon Brando won the Oscar for “Best Actor” for his role as Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.” The actor asked Littlefeather to decline the award on his behalf and subsequently read a speech about the way native americans were portrayed in the entertainment industry, according to the American newspaper The New York Times.
Sacheen Littlefeather’s speech lasted barely a minute and also covered what were “recent events” at Wounded Knee, in the US state of South Dakota. The statement has not come to an end.
In a statement, the Academy said it apologized to the actress for the way it treated her and announced an event of “conversation, healing and celebration” on September 17. According to the Academy, after the ceremony episode, Sacheen Littlefeather was professionally “boycotted”, having also been “attacked, personally harassed and discriminated against” in the last almost 5 decades. Littlefeather has already reacted, recalling the history of her own people.
Regarding the Academy’s apology, we Indians are a very patient people, it’s only been 50 years! We need to maintain our sense of humor at all times. It is our method of survival”, said the actress.
Source: Observadora
