Lily Gladstone, an actor of Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, made history last night as the first Indigenous person to win the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her acclaimed performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Emotional Acceptance Speech Includes Blackfeet Language
In an emotional acceptance speech, Gladstone thanked her parents, her tribe, and spoke words in her native Blackfeet language, saying: “This is for every little rez kid who was ever told they couldn’t dream.”
“My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude. I want to first thank my beautiful parents who drove me to Seattle 3 times a week for acting class when I was a teenager. You made my dreams come true.”
“I also thank the Blackfeet nation for allowing me to tell this important story and to represent our people.”
Speaks in Blackfeet language
“This means ‘Stay strong in body, mind and spirit – you can achieve anything.’ This is for every little rez kid who was ever told they couldn’t dream. I am living proof that you can.”
Her co-star Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the first on his feet to give her a standing ovation. Gladstone was visibly emotional as she made her way to the stage, wiping away tears.
Film Explores Early 20th Century “Reign of Terror” Against Osage Nation
“Killers of the Flower Moon” depicts the sinister plot to kill members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma in order to gain control of their massive oil wealth, which became known as the “Osage Reign of Terror.” Over two dozen people were killed before the plot was finally uncovered.
Gladstone gives a riveting performance as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman who becomes suspicious after her sister is killed under mysterious circumstances. Burkhart teams up with the newly created FBI to investigate the murders, including her sister’s husband who becomes the prime suspect.
Burkhart was famously one of the sole survivors of her family, as her relatives were systematically killed one by one. The chilling true story explores themes of greed, racism, murder and the early days of the FBI’s formation.
Film Has Major Oscar Buzz After Rave Reviews
With “Killers of the Flower Moon” earning rave reviews and now major awards buzz, pundits widely expect Gladstone to be nominated for Best Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards. If she were to win the Oscar, she would be the first Indigenous woman to ever achieve that honor.
The film hasdrawn praise for its exploration of a little-known chapter of American history, as well as its amazing performances. Critics have touted DiCaprio’s role as his best in years, while newcomer Gladstone has earned career-making reviews:
“Gladstone delivers an astonishing breakthrough turn…simmering with righteous fury. Her stunning work firmly establishes her dramatic talents while making history.”
– Peter Travers, ABC News
Director Martin Scorsese has credited Gladstone for her dedication to understanding her real-life character and Osage culture:
“She immersed herself completely – reading, researching, spending time with descendants of survivors. Her emotional precision and nuance brings this harrowing story painfully to life.”
The film scored multiple Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture, Director and Adapted Screenplay. DiCaprio also earned a Best Actor nod.
With the Los Angeles Times calling it an “acting masterclass” and the New York Times declaring “Oscars all around,” awards prognosticators see the film as a likely Best Picture frontrunner.
Local Star Got Her Start in Seattle Area
While she has earned international acclaim with her star-making turn in “Flower Moon,” Gladstone has longstanding Seattle roots.
She was born in Billings, Montana but moved to Washington as a child. Her parents drove her into Seattle three times a week for acting lessons. She graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School and went on to study theater at the University of Washington.
Though she dreamed of being an actor, Gladstone also felt immense pressure to succeed both for herself and as a role model for Indigenous youth. She has spoken offoiscing many doubts and obstacles in her early career.
“I felt this incredible responsibility not just to my tribe but to all the native kids looking for hope. For so long Hollywood told our stories without our input, our truth. I needed this for them.”
Now with her landslide Golden Globes win, she has undoubtedlyalready achieved her dream of inspiring young Indigenous actors to believe they can make it in this industry too.
As her “Flower Moon” director Martin Scorsese aptly put it: “Her talent and dedication has broken an indefensible barrier. I have no doubt this is just the beginning for the extraordinary Lily Gladstone.”
What Comes Next After Globes Win? Oscar Nomination Seen as Probable
| Award | Date | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Nomination | January 24 | Almost guaranteed |
| SAG Awards | February 26 | Likely nomination |
| Academy Awards | March 12 | Strong contender |
Now that Gladstone has won Best Actress at the Golden Globes, becoming the first Indigenous woman ever to do so, expectations will be high to see if she can turn her success into an Oscar win as well.
As the above table shows, Oscar nominations will be announced on January 24th. With the rave reviews for her performance, experts see her landing a Best Actress nomination as nearly a sure thing.
The real test will come at the March 12th Academy Awards, where she would face off against other heavy hitters like Cate Blanchett. But after surprising awards prognosticators with her Globes upset win over Blanchett, Gladstone suddenly seems like a very strong contender for Oscar gold.
In the meantime, she is likely to garner more awards buzz. Her haunting lead performance remains the critical darling of the Oscar race thus far.
The British Academy Awards and the Screen Actors Guild awards will also be ones to watch. Though awards season can always hold surprises, Lily Gladstone appears poised to make history yet again this year as the first Indigenous actress ever to win Hollywood’s highest honor for her now-iconic role as Mollie Burkhart.
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