Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone, acclaimed for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon, doesn’t shy away from using her platform to address the issues faced by the Indigenous community. During a panel discussion at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Gladstone, a Siksikaitsitapi and Niimiipuu heritage representative, expressed her concerns about harmful depictions of Native Americans in media, specifically calling out the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gladstone criticized the Tomahawk Chop, emphasizing its connection to Hollywood’s misrepresentation of Indigenous people in old Westerns. She sees it as a painful reminder of the commodification and claiming of Native sounds and culture in the name of ‘honor.’
In an interview with Variety, Gladstone shared her discomfort with such portrayals, stating, “It’s great to love the game and your players, but it still hurts.”
The discussion touched on Gladstone’s historic Oscar nomination, making her the first Native American woman nominated for Best Actress. She plays the role of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a film that earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Reflecting on her journey, Gladstone expressed the impact of seeing “Academy Award Nominee” next to her name, recognizing the significance of the moment. She remains aware of the broader context—the loss of culture and innocence faced by the Osage Tribe, a story powerfully portrayed in the film.
As Gladstone prepares for the Oscars, she acknowledges the importance of celebrating achievements without constantly reminding the Indigenous community of their historical suffering. Alongside her parents, she plans to share this moment with members of the Osage community, turning it into a collective celebration.
In challenging harmful depictions, Gladstone exemplifies the responsibility actors bear in shaping conversations around cultural sensitivity and representation in the media.
