The Godfather, released in 1972, remains a cinematic classic that has stood the test of time.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its release, the film was re-released in theaters around the world after undergoing impressive audio and color correction work. However, beyond its cinematic legacy, there's a lesser-known event tied to The Godfather that made headlines worldwide and left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
In 1973, during the first edition of the televised Oscars, Marlon Brando, who had been awarded Best Actor for his role in The Godfather, declined to attend the ceremony. Instead, he sent Apache Sacheen Littlefeather, chairwoman of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee, to deliver a speech on his behalf as a form of protest.
As Littlefeather took the stage, her speech was met with boos and murmurs from some actors in attendance who disagreed with her message. Amid the commotion, she managed to address the audience: "I pray that I have not been a nuisance tonight and that in the future, our hearts and understanding meet with love and generosity." However, she declined to accept the statuette on Brando's behalf due to the controversy.
This seemingly straightforward act sparked significant controversy and debate at the time. While Littlefeather had limited time on stage, she later shared the complete text of Brando's prepared speech with the press, which was published by The New York Times. Nearly five decades later, Littlefeather discussed the behind-the-scenes details of that day and the lasting impact it had on her life and career during an interview with The Guardian.
Ella Littlefeather, now 74 years old, expressed no regrets about her actions that night. Despite her fragile health, she reflected on the events that unfolded 50 years ago and the profound consequences they had for her acting career and Native Americans' fight for their rights.
During the interview, Littlefeather recounted the tense atmosphere that night. With only 60 seconds to deliver an improvised speech, she was tasked with honoring the promise she had made to Marlon Brando and addressing a vast audience of actors, directors, producers, and millions of television viewers.
"I didn't use swear words, I didn't raise my voice or use my fist. I prayed that my ancestors would help me, I went up there as a warrior woman, with the grace, beauty, courage, and humility of my people. I spoke from the heart," she emphasized. Despite her inner strength, the tension was palpable as the audience reacted with a mix of shouts, boos, and applause. Behind the curtain, a group of people restrained actor John Wayne, a prominent figure of the time who was also known for his white supremacist views, from approaching her.
Littlefeather's speech marked a turning point. She was the first to use the Oscars as a platform for a political issue, drawing attention to the Wounded Knee tragedy and bolstering the Native American movement. This brave move, deeply connected to her longstanding collaboration with Marlon Brando, led to the end of her acting career.
"I couldn't get a job. I knew that J. Edgar Hoover - former director of the FBI - had told people in the industry not to hire me. I was a hotbed of controversy, and I don't know how safe that is for an actor in terms of box office," Littlefeather explained. Her association with Brando, though it had been a significant force for change, eventually faded, and at the time of his death in 2004, they were no longer connected. Nevertheless, Ella Littlefeather remains proud of the historic moment she shared with Brando that is still remembered as a significant milestone in Hollywood's history of memorable Oscar moments.
