Political speeches at awards shows seem to be as American as apple pie, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the speeches actually used to be short and sweet, which can be hard to believe when it is virtually impossible to watch an entire awards show today without hearing at least one acceptance speech that is made political.
So when did this start? The very first time someone won and didn’t accept their Oscar was in 1971. George C. Scott won the award for Best Actor, but refused to come to the ceremony. This wasn’t so much a political statement as a personal one against the Oscars which he called “demeaning” and a “two-hour meat parade.” The director of the movie ended up accepting the award while Scott was watching a football game at home.
But in 1973 we had the very first political statement at the Oscars. 1973 was the year of the 45th Academy Awards. That’s right -- it took 45 years for the Oscars to get political. Marlon Brando started the trend of political speeches. He refused his Oscar for Best Actor becoming the second and only other person to do so. Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to give a speech. He claimed he was unable to accept the award because of the treatment of Native Americans by the film industry. During this time Native Americans were cast almost exclusively as extras and most Native American roles were filled by whites.
The speech Littlefeather gave during the Oscars was very brief and interrupted by people booing. She was told that if she went over 60 seconds, she would be arrested. If that wasn’t scary enough there were 6 men restraining John Wayne from coming out on stage to attack her. After the awards show, Littlefeather gave the entire speech. There was a great outcry against Littlefeather and Brando, but awareness about Native Americans was increased. Littlefeather received many threats following the speech and, as an aspiring actress, lost her up-and-coming career.
At the same time, a virtually unheard of occupation of Wounded Knee was occurring. Yes, there was a second armed conflict at Wounded Knee. It lasted 71 days and the media refused to cover it. The speech Littlefeather gave after the Oscars drew attention to Wounded Knee and broke the media boycott on this issue. Brando was very bothered by the fact that everything he knew about Native Americans was wrong, which he elaborated on during an interview he gave following the Oscars. This prompted him to send Littlefeather up in his place.
Littlefeather’s appearance in place of Brando was radical. Not only did Brando refuse one of the greatest honors an actor can get, but he provided the first time a woman of color was on stage at an awards show. Marlon Brando and Sacheen Littlefeather set the precedent for today’s awards shows. They were trailblazers.
Political statements during awards shows can sometimes be annoying, but they are so important to today’s society. Celebrities should be using their voice and influence to bring attention to the problems plaguing the nation. While they may bring controversial opinions to the table they at least start discussion and draw attention to the issue. As we watch and read about the 89th Academy Awards, let’s try to think about the 45th Academy Awards and the ripple effect they have had on today’s society.
