Sacheen Littlefeather accepts the Academy Award’s formal apology for her behaviour at the 45th Oscars

On Sunday evening in Los Angeles, Sacheen Littlefeather was welcomed as the guest of honor at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science event. It starkly contrasts her first interaction with the organization that puts on the Oscars. She formally accepted the Academy's apology for the hostile reception also received during the 45th Oscars in 1973 as she appeared on behalf of winner Marlon Brando. 

Marlon Brando declined the award

Marlon Brando won the best actor Oscar in 1973 for his work in The Godfather; he declined the award and asked 26-year-old actress Littlefeather to appear on stage on his behalf. Littlefeather has a speech about declining the award by Brando because of the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry on television in movie returns, and also at Wounded Knee, was met with the boss from the audience. She had a 60-second speech about her inability to continue working in the business and found her safety threatened.

An apology letter was issued

In June, the apology letter was received by then-Academy president David Rubin; she said, ‘I am here accepting this apology, Not only for me alone but as acknowledgment, knowing that it was not only for me but for all of our nations that also need to hear and deserve this apology tonight.

Littlefeather reflected on the infamous moment in a conversation with Academy member Bird Runningwater. She told the audience that she took the stage in 1973, ‘I began to walk up those steps. I knew that I had to speak the truth, some people may accept it, and others may not. She was onstage for the Academy Award with notable members of the Academy like current CEO Bill Kramer, current president Janet Yang and former president David Rubin. 

Robert Poirrer

Robert Poirrer is a contributing author who covers Hollywood latest movie releases and web series for the MovieThop website. He has a decade of experience in writing movies based articles for numerous renowned media outlets. He is excellent at creating unique content based on emerging trends in a variety of categories especially entertainment, movies and lifestyle. When not writing articles you could find Robert enjoying mountain biking trips with his friends. He graduated in English Literature from North Carolina State University.