Lily Gladstone Makes History as the First Indigenous Person to Win at the Golden Globes
The 2024 Golden Globes witnessed a historic moment as Lily Gladstone became the first person who identifies as indigenous to win the award for best performance by a female actor in a dramatic motion picture. Gladstone’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it reflects a significant milestone in representation and diversity in the film industry.
Historic Win:
- Lily Gladstone made history by winning the Golden Globe for best performance by a female actor in a dramatic motion picture.
- She is the first person who identifies as indigenous to receive this prestigious award, marking a milestone in the recognition of indigenous talent in the entertainment industry.
Performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon”:
- Gladstone secured the award for her performance in the Martin Scorsese-directed drama “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
- In the film, she stars alongside acclaimed actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude:
- During her acceptance speech, Gladstone acknowledged the historic nature of her win and emphasized that the achievement does not solely belong to her.
- She expressed gratitude to her community, stating, “I’m holding it right now, holding it with all my beautiful sisters.”
- Gladstone initially spoke in the Blackfeet language and recognized the Blackfeet Nation as the community that raised and encouraged her.
Tribute to Blackfeet Nation and Mother:
- Lily Gladstone paid tribute to the Blackfeet Nation, describing it as a beautiful community that played a crucial role in her upbringing and journey in the film industry.
- She honored her mother, who worked tirelessly to incorporate their language into classrooms, allowing Gladstone to have a Blackfeet English teacher in her formative years.
Challenges Faced by Native Actors:
- Gladstone highlighted the challenges faced by native actors in the industry, noting that, historically, native actors would speak their lines in English, and sound mixers would manipulate the audio to simulate native languages on camera.
Representation and Recognition:
- Lily Gladstone dedicated her award to the kids who see themselves represented in stories told by indigenous voices in their own words, emphasizing the importance of representation and the support of allies.
Background and Tribal Affiliations:
- Gladstone grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in northwestern Montana and lived on reservation land until the age of 11.
- She has tribal affiliations that include Kainai, Amskapi Piikani, and Nimi’ipuu First Nations.
Role in “Killers of the Flower Moon”:
- In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Gladstone portrays Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman and the wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Ernest Burkhart.
First Globe Nomination and Win:
- The Golden Globe win for Lily Gladstone in 2024 marks her first nomination and victory at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Lily Gladstone’s historic win at the Golden Globes is a significant moment for indigenous representation in the film industry. Her acknowledgment of the Blackfeet Nation, her mother, and the challenges faced by native actors reflects a broader commitment to diversity and inclusivity in storytelling. Gladstone’s achievement stands as a testament to the importance of recognizing and celebrating talent from all backgrounds.
