Sacheen Littlefeather made Oscar history after a speech in 1973 on the mistreatment of Native Americans in the movie industry.
Sacheen Littlefeather, an Indigenous US civil rights activist who campaigned against the mistreatment of Native Americans in the movie industry, has died at 75.
Littlefeather, who is of Apache and Yaqui heritage, had made history by being the first Native American to step foot on the Oscars award ceremony stage – the first time the event was broadcast live around the world – and use the opportunity to make a political statement.
In 1973, Littlefeather did not accept the Best Actor award for Marlon Brando for his performance in the film The Godfather, but instead came on stage when his award was announced and made a passionate 60-second speech on the insulting portrayal of Native Americans in the movie industry.