Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress and activist who in 1973 was booed when she refused an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando, has died at the age of 75, the Academy of Oscars announced on Sunday. In his Twitter post announcing his passing, the Academy quoted Littlefeather as saying: “When I am gone, always remember that every time you stand up for your truth, you will keep my voice and the voices of our nations alive. and our peoples.” Two weeks ago, the Academy held a ceremony at its new museum in Los Angeles to honor Littlefeather and publicly apologize for the treatment she received at the Academy Awards. almost 50 years ago. Littlefeather, who is Apache and Yaqui, was booed at the 1973 Academy Awards — the first to be broadcast live around the world — as she explained on Brando’s behalf why he didn’t want to accept his Academy Award. best actor for The Godfather.50 years after his banishment, the Academy of the Oscars honors Native American actress Sacheen LittlefeatherBrando had asked Littlefeather to refuse the award for him in protest against the treatment of Native Americans by the film industry. “I went there, like a proud Indian woman, with dignity, courage, grace and humility,” Littlefeather said during the ceremony at the museum. “I knew I had to tell the truth. Some people can accept it. Others don’t.” She said veteran western star John Wayne had to be stopped from physically attacking her as she walked off stage. then struggled to find work in Hollywood, with casting directors warned not to employ him. Asked by reporters ahead of the ceremony how she felt about waiting so long to receive an apology, Ms Littlefeather was philosophical. “It’s never too late for an apology. It’s never too late for forgiveness,” she replied.
