The Academy Awards are always anticipated by celebrities and movie lovers alike. That is because this ceremony features actors who have showcased their incredible acting skills in the films they starred in. With that being said, no movie lover or actor would forget the events that transpired at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973. The name Sacheen Littlefeather was highlighted on the night of that ceremony, and for good reason.
Before Sacheen Littlfeather, there was a Marie Louise Cruz
Before we came to know Sacheen Littlefeather, she was actually born with the name Marie Louise Cruz. It dawned on Sacheen to explore her Native American roots as she was studying at California State University in Hayward.
For those of you who are wondering where she got her name, Sacheen Littlefeather, we have her father to thank for that. This iconic name came to life after Littlefeather’s high school life.
She said that Sacheen was a name that her father often called her and that Littlefeather took inspiration from a feather that she often wore on her head.
What was Sacheen Littlefeather known for?
The strong woman who stood in front of a sea of celebrities rejected the award that was supposed to be received by Marlon Brando.
This is where her appearance began to take off, since a lot of people would remember how she dressed on stage; from head to toe, she was clad in traditional Native American clothing. But of course, this was not what truly stood out that night of the 45th Academy Awards.
Sacheen Littlefeather will forever be known for her courageous speech during the Academy Awards in 1973, since she made a speech and spoke about the rights of Native Americans, who at that time were being ill-treated by the film industry.
Furthermore, Littlefeather was also the first indigenous woman to use the Academy Awards as a platform for a political statement. It may be a common sight nowadays to see people, especially people of color, using well-known broadcast shows as a platform to voice out political statements—but none can comprehend the effect Littlfeather had in 1973.
Take note that this does not have anything to do with comparison. Simply put, Littlefeather’s speech is rightfully viewed as the one that started the movement of bravely speaking out on televised platforms.
While she was mocked by many after giving her heartfelt speech, it did not faze her. She was nothing short of proud that she gave her speech. To Littlefeather, it was the start of something bigger than her.
As a Native American activist, she continued to practice her freedom of expression by actively campaigning in the streets of America. For instance, she did so in San Francisco in 1990.
Sacheen Littlefeather, dies at age 75
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Littlefeather died at her home in California on October 2. She was surrounded by her loved ones on the day of her passing. Although the cause of her death was not immediately announced, it was later discovered that she succumbed to breast cancer.
Her political statements will not die along with her, as they will continuously live on in the hearts of many.
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