Lily Gladstone’s Emotional Reaction to Oscar Nomination for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon
In a heartfelt moment of joy and surprise, Lily Gladstone couldn’t hold back tears upon hearing Jack Quaid announce her name in the best actress Oscars category. The emotions ran even higher for her parents, who shared the special moment with Gladstone via FaceTime in Pawhuska, Okla. As the star of Martin Scorsese’s epic film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Gladstone portrays Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman entangled in a murderous conspiracy with her white husband.
A Historic Nomination: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood
Gladstone’s nomination goes beyond personal triumph; it marks a historic milestone as the first Native American person nominated for a competitive acting Academy Award. The significance of this achievement was not lost on Gladstone, who reflected on its broader implications. With Blackfeet and Nez Percé heritage, she expressed hope that her nomination would prompt increased awareness and understanding of the often-overlooked histories of Native American communities.
Turning on the Waterworks: A Dream Realized
The overwhelming emotional response from Gladstone and her family speaks to the profound impact of receiving an Oscar nomination, particularly for her first-ever nomination. The actress, now 37, admitted to not foreseeing such recognition in her career and life. The tears shed were not just a personal celebration but a symbol of breaking barriers and opening doors for others in the industry.
Hope for Change: Inspiring a Shift in Perspective
As Gladstone embraces this pivotal moment in her career, she envisions a positive ripple effect. By being the first Native American nominee in the competitive acting category, she hopes it sparks a genuine interest in the histories and narratives that have been marginalized. Lily Gladstone’s journey from Pawhuska to the Oscars signifies more than an individual achievement – it’s a call for broader recognition and appreciation of diverse stories in the world of cinema.
“Lily Gladstone: Breaking Barriers and Making History in Hollywood”
In the realm of Hollywood recognition, Lily Gladstone’s nomination for the best actress Oscar in “Killers of the Flower Moon” marks a significant milestone. While she joins the ranks of other Indigenous artists like Keisha Castle-Hughes and Yalitza Aparicio in the same category, Gladstone holds the distinction of being the first from the United States. This recognition comes in a historical context, with folk singer Buffy Sainte-Marie once considered the first Indigenous Oscar winner for best song in 1983. However, recent disputes about Sainte-Marie’s heritage have brought new perspectives to light. Additionally, in 2019, Wes Studi, of Cherokee American descent, received an honorary Oscar for his impactful film portrayals and unwavering support of the Native American community.
Gladstone’s accolades have continued to pile up, making January an extraordinary month for her. On January 7, she made history as the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe for best actress. During her acceptance speech, she delivered a powerful moment by speaking a few lines in the Blackfeet language. Beyond the Golden Globe, Gladstone’s achievements include a best actress win from the New York Film Critics Circle, as well as nominations from the Critics Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild.
As Gladstone reflects on the current trajectory of storytelling in Hollywood, she expresses hope for the future. The trend is shifting towards authentic narratives, with Indigenous voices playing a crucial role in shaping how stories are told. With her groundbreaking achievements, Lily Gladstone becomes not just a symbol of individual success but a catalyst for positive change in the representation of Indigenous stories in the film industry.
