Lily Gladstone Makes History as First Native American Nominee for Best Actress at Oscars
Lily Gladstone, whose captivating performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” has propelled her to Hollywood stardom, made history at the Oscars as the first Native American person to be nominated for a competitive acting Academy Award.
Gladstone portrayed a wealthy Osage woman in the film, whose family becomes the target of a murderous plot by white men seeking to steal their oil rights. Her portrayal quickly garnered acclaim following the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s epic at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
At the Oscars, actress Jennifer Lawrence introduced Gladstone as the soul of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” praising her powerful performance. Earlier this year, Gladstone, who has Blackfeet and Nez Percé heritage, became the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe for best actress, using her platform to highlight the progress Hollywood has made in representing Native Americans onscreen.
Reflecting on her journey, Gladstone shared the challenges faced by Native actors in an industry with limited opportunities. Despite the obstacles, she has emerged as a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of Indigenous performers.
Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart, a real-life figure from the Osage Reign of Terror in 1920s Oklahoma, showcased her talent in bringing complex characters to life. Her performance stood out among a cast that included Hollywood veterans Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
The actress did not follow the traditional path to Hollywood, instead staying in Montana to pursue her passion for acting and storytelling. Her dedication and talent were recognized in “Certain Women” in 2016, leading to her breakout role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
As Gladstone continues to make waves in the industry, she remains committed to opening doors for other Native actors and advocating for greater representation onscreen. Her historic Oscar nomination is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for Indigenous performers in Hollywood.
