LOS ANGELES – Lily Gladstone made history at the Golden Globes on Sunday as the first indigenous person to win the best performance by a female actor in a dramatic motion picture. Gladstone won the award for her role in the Martin Scorsese-directed film “Killers of the Flower Moon” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
During her acceptance speech, Gladstone expressed gratitude for being able to speak a little bit of her native language, Blackfeet, in a film industry where native actors have historically spoken English and had their lines reversed in post-production to create the illusion of speaking a native language on camera. She dedicated the award to the children who have seen themselves represented in stories told by themselves and their own words.
Growing up on the Blackfeet Reservation in northwestern Montana, Gladstone has tribal affiliations with Kainai, Amskapi Piikani, and Nimi’ipuu First Nations. She spoke of the Blackfeet Nation, the community that raised and encouraged her, during her speech. Gladstone also acknowledged her mother’s efforts to incorporate the Blackfeet language into classrooms, ensuring that she had a Blackfeet English teacher while growing up.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” centers on the Osage Nation, and Gladstone mentioned the importance of representation and authentic storytelling in the film. She emphasized that this award is for the kids who have witnessed themselves being portrayed in stories told by themselves, with the support of allies and trust.
This is Gladstone’s first Golden Globe nomination and win. Her groundbreaking achievement celebrates indigenous representation in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future storytellers and actors.