After 50 Years, Oscars Extends Apology To Actress Sacheen Littlefeather 

The Oscars have expressed regret for booing actress Sacheen Littlefeather off stage nearly 50 years ago. In 1973, the actress and activist made an on-camera protest against Marlon Brando accepting an Oscar for The Godfather. Because the US film industry misrepresented Native Americans, Brando declined the best actor prize and substituted Littlefeather. 

Following her brief statement, Littlefeather allegedly faced "unwarranted and unjustified" abuse, according to sources. She told the Hollywood Reporter, "I never thought I'd live to see the day I would be hearing this. After her statement at the awards, Littlefeather, who was 26 at the time, was jeered at and rejected by the entertainment business. 

Organisers claimed that her speech started a trend that has persisted to this day by making the first political comment at the televised ceremony. She gave a brief introduction and informed the audience that she was speaking on behalf of Brando, who had written "a very long speech," and "that he very sadly cannot receive this very generous award." 

She made reference to the recent events at Wounded Knee, a violent stand-off with federal agents at a location of significant significance to the Sioux people. "And the reasons for this being the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television in movie re-runs, as well as with recent happenings at Wounded Knee," she said. 

The audience booed her and also cheered occasionally. Littlefeather stated in 2020 that she had to leave the podium with two security guards immediately following her remarks. But she went on to say that it "was a very good thing" since actor John Wayne came backstage (and was being guarded by six men). According to her, he was "furious with Marlon and furious with me" and wanted to yank her off stage.