We all love celebrating and highlighting records in Oscars history, but beyond the superficial honors, sometimes these “firsts” expose the hard truths of a male and white-biased industry that hardly allows diversity to shine. This year, (yes, 2024) Lily Gladstone has made history by becoming the first Native American Woman to be Nominated for an Oscar… at their 96th edition!
Yes, almost a century has passed since Hollywood’s most prestigious awards, the Oscars, came to life, and yet, it’s the very first time a Native American woman is recognized for her work. No, it’s not that there are just a few Native actresses, it’s likely because a white man recognized by the industry decided to make a movie about a historic event in their history.
Lily Gladstone’s Amazing Career
For many, the name Lily Gladstone is new, but this amazingly talented actress has an outstanding career, and it was about damn time she was recognized for it. Gladstone has steadily carved her name in the entertainment industry, particularly shining in the realm of independent cinema and television. Her journey began in 2012 with a debut in Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian, but it was her collaborations with acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt that truly propelled her career.
In Reichardt’s 2016 film, Certain Women, Lily delivered a nuanced performance that garnered her widespread critical acclaim. The role earned several accolades but not the mainstream ones like the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards. Lily further solidified her talent in Reichardt’s First Cow (2019), captivating audiences with her raw and powerful portrayal. With each project, she demonstrated her ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity.
While independent films provided fertile ground for her talents, Lily also ventured into television. She made captivating appearances in shows like Room 104, Billions, and the acclaimed Reservation Dogs, showcasing her versatility and range. Today, she’s been recognized as one of the best actresses of the year for her role of Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
But beyond acting, Lily’s Indigenous heritage (Siksikaitsitapi and NiMíiPuu) shapes her artistry and adds a powerful dimension to her on-screen presence. She proudly represents Indigenous voices in Hollywood and is known for her commitment to authentic storytelling.
Native American Representation at the Oscars
While it’s really shocking to learn that it’s taken almost 100 years of Oscar history to nominate a Native American woman, there has been some representation in the past, although not what it should be considering that they’re a crucial part of American culture and history.
Lily Gladstone is the second woman of indigenous descent to be nominated by the Academy. In 2019, Yalitza Aparicio made history with her heartbreaking work in Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma. Her honesty and undeniable talent granted her a nomination in the Best Leading Actress slate, although it was Olivia Colman (The Favorite) the one that took home the statuette. Coincidentally, this time it’s likely that Lily Gladstone will lose to another actress working in a Yorgos Lanthimos movie as Emma Stone (Poor Things) is the big favorite to win.
But we’re digressing. Let’s go many centuries back. In 1931, the movie Cimarron was the first movie with a Native American theme to win Best Picture, although it featured a mostly white cast. Three years later, in 1934 the ceremony was hosted by a Native American actor for the first time and only time, Will Rogers, who was of Cherokee descent.
Almost 40 years later, the first nomination for a Native American person came. In 1971, Dan George earned a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in Little Big Man. In this white-savior-themed movie, George played a tribal leader; before becoming an actor he was a chief of the Tse-lal-watt tribe. At the time, Dan George hoped this could be the beginning of inclusion in the industry; it would take the Academy two decades to nominate another Native American actor.
More than changing the terrible ways Native Americans have been represented on screen, in 1973 the Oscars had one of the most despicable moments in its history. Marlon Brando declined the award for Best Actor for The Godfather and sent Sacheen Littlefeather to give the message. The intention was to raise awareness of the poor and offensive representation of Native Americans on screen. The attendees reacted terribly to the point that John Wayne had to be subdued to prevent him from hitting her.
In 1991, Oneida Indian Graham Greene was nominated in the same category for Dances with Wolves. This movie was the second movie about Native Americans to win Best Picture… 60 years after Cimarron. Over 30 years have passed with no other recognition of Native American diversity until now. How much time will pass for the next one?
Unlike her predecessors, Lily Gladstone is making real history. Not because she’s earned some nominations but because of the type of role she’s playing. For decades, Native Americans have rarely been portrayed by Native American actors to start with; she’s doing it. But it’s even rarer that she’s been able to portray a strong leading Native American character.
Although it’s unlikely that she will win, she’s already doing so much not only in terms of Native representation but also as a very talented and strong woman. We can only see and wish success in her career! But more importantly, we wish the industry would become more open for other creators to tell their stories and get the same attention without having to recur to a white filmmaker to tell them.
