This Apache Woman Refused Marlon Brando's Oscar For Him. The Reason Why Is Truly Amazing

January 19, 2016

Marlon Brando became involved with the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the early 1970s. In 1973, he decided to make a statement about the film industry's treatment of Native Americans. He had Sacheen Littlefeather represent him and his boycott of the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather.

Brando had written a 15-page speech for Littlefeather to give at the ceremony, but when the producer met her backstage, he threatened to physically remove her or have her arrested if she spoke on stage for more than 60 seconds. Her on-stage comments were therefore improvised.

It takes some serious courage to go up there and say what she said.