Lily Gladstone made history last night as the first Indigenous actress 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.”
Gladstone Delivers Emotional Acceptance Speech in Blackfeet Language
In an emotional acceptance speech, Gladstone began speaking in her native Blackfeet language, saying “Today I made history and I want to honor all those who came before me.” She went on to thank the film’s cast and crew, as well as author David Grann who wrote the book the film is based on.
Gladstone was visibly emotional as she accepted her award to a standing ovation. Co-star Leonardo DiCaprio was seen with tears in his eyes. On the red carpet earlier, both actors wore custom accessories representing Indigenous tribes as a sign of honor and respect.
| Year | Winner | Film/Show |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Zendaya | Euphoria |
| 2022 | Nicole Kidman | Being the Ricardos |
| 2021 | Andra Day | The United States vs. Billie Holiday |
In winning the award, Gladstone beat out fellow nominees Cate Blanchett, Olivia Colman, Viola Davis, and Michelle Williams.
Groundbreaking Performance in Period Drama
Gladstone has drawn widespread acclaim for her performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman who witnesses her family members mysteriously murdered amidst the oil boom in 1920s Oklahoma.
The film focuses on the efforts of the newly created F.B.I. to uncover the truth behind the string of murders targeting members of the Osage Nation after oil deposits were discovered beneath their land. Gladstone’s role opposite DiCaprio as her husband Ernest Burkhart forms the emotional core of the film.
In interviews, Gladstone has spoken extensively about the importance of bringing this little-known story of racial injustice to light, and honoring the memory of Mollie Burkhart and the many Indigenous victims.
“Mollie possessed such grace and dignity even in the face of immense tragedy,” Gladstone told the Los Angeles Times. “I felt duty-bound to try to capture the fullness of who she was.”
Director Martin Scorsese also made history with the film, becoming the first non-Native director to make a film centering on Indigenous characters with a predominantly Native cast.
Impact on Indigenous Representation
Gladstone’s trailblazing win is seen by many as having a hugely significant impact in terms of Indigenous representation in an industry that has long marginalized Native stories and performers.
In their acceptance speech, Gladstone emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for future Indigenous youth, saying:
“To all the Indigenous youth out there, I hope this shows you that your stories deserve to be told. Keep singing, keep dancing, keep creating.”
Gladstone themself has emerged as an important voice for Indigenous and LGBTQ issues in Hollywood. They use both “she” and “they” pronouns as a way to “decolonize gender” and resist the gender binaries imposed on Indigenous cultures historically.
Many feel Gladstone represents a major step forward for Indigenous talent in a mainstream awards show. As actor and activist Mark Ruffalo tweeted:
When Indigenous people succeed, we all succeed. Tonight is history in the making – a powerful moment for representation and celebration of the incredible artistry of Indigenous filmmaking.
Predicted Success at Upcoming Awards Shows
Gladstone’s win has prompted many pundits to declare “Killers of the Flower Moon” as a new frontrunner for the Oscars race later this year. The film had already been predicted to fare well, with DiCaprio and co-star Robert De Niro earning nods at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. But Gladstone’s win helps solidify its position as a major contender.
The film seems well-positioned to potentially take home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and more. As Variety notes, “Oscar voters will no doubt be paying close attention” after last night’s Globes results.
Gladstone also seems destined for more history-making moments. They stand to become the first Indigenous performer ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. And if the film continues on its current trajectory, we could see Gladstone making her way to the Oscars stage once again – this time on Hollywood’s biggest night.
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