Lily Gladstone is the Golden Globes’ first Indigenous best actress winner, gives speech in Blackfeet language

On a historic night at the Golden Globe Awards, Lily Gladstone made history as the first Indigenous person to win the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture. Her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon” captivated audiences and earned her well-deserved recognition.

A Groundbreaking Victory

Gladstone’s win at the Golden Globes is a significant milestone for Indigenous representation in the film industry. Breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, she delivered a powerful performance that resonated with viewers worldwide.

Speaking in Blackfeet

During her acceptance speech, Gladstone took a poignant moment to address the audience in her native Blackfeet language. It was a heartfelt tribute to the community that raised her and a celebration of her cultural heritage.

Acknowledging Her Roots

Gladstone expressed her gratitude towards her mother, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Blackfeet language was taught in their classrooms. This dedication provided Gladstone with the opportunity to connect with her Indigenous roots and embrace the language that has been historically marginalized in the industry.

A Shared Victory

Gladstone humbly acknowledged that her win was not hers alone but a victory shared with her fellow actors and crew members. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and the contributions of her co-stars Leonardo Dicaprio and Robert Deniro, as well as director Martin Scorcese.

An Impactful Role

“Killers of the Flower Moon” sheds light on the tragic story of the Osage Nation, and Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart played a crucial role in bringing that narrative to life. Through her performance, she honored the real-life individuals who faced injustice and tragedy during that time.

A Language Regained

In her speech, Gladstone also reflected on the history of Native actors in the industry, who were often forced to speak their lines in English and then manipulated in the sound mixing process to give the illusion of Native languages. With her ability to speak even a little bit of her own language, Gladstone symbolizes a turning point in Native representation on screen.

An Inspiration for Future Generations

Gladstone concluded her speech with a powerful message to the younger generation. She dedicated her award to every Native child, whether growing up on reservations or in urban areas, encouraging them to hold on to their dreams and find representation in their own stories.

Conclusion

Lily Gladstone’s groundbreaking win at the Golden Globe Awards is a significant moment in the history of Indigenous representation in the film industry. Her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon” not only captivated audiences but also shed light on important historical narratives. By speaking in the Blackfeet language during her acceptance speech, Gladstone brought attention to the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous languages. Her victory serves as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting the power of representation and the need for authentic Indigenous storytelling in mainstream media.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Lily Gladstone?

Lily Gladstone is an actress known for her performances in films such as “Certain Women” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” She made history as the first Indigenous person to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture.

2. What role did Lily Gladstone play in “Killers of the Flower Moon”?

Gladstone portrayed the character of Mollie Burkhart, a key figure in the tragic story that unfolded within the Osage Nation during the 1920s. Her performance brought depth and authenticity to the film.

3. Why is Lily Gladstone’s win significant?

Gladstone’s win at the Golden Globes is significant because it breaks barriers and paves the way for greater Indigenous representation in the film industry. It highlights the importance of authentic storytelling and the recognition of diverse talents.

4. What did Lily Gladstone say in her acceptance speech?

Gladstone spoke in her native Blackfeet language during her acceptance speech, expressing her gratitude and acknowledging the community that raised her. She also emphasized the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and the significance of her win for future generations.

5. What impact does Lily Gladstone’s win have on the film industry?

Gladstone’s win brings attention to the need for more representation and inclusion of Indigenous voices in the film industry. It amplifies the importance of telling diverse stories and challenging stereotypes, ultimately enriching the cinematic landscape.