In a groundbreaking moment for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, Lily Gladstone finds herself on the precipice of history, having secured an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The 37-year-old actress, of Blackfeet and Nez Percé heritage, is not only celebrating her first Oscar nod but also the distinction of being the first Native American individual to be nominated for a competitive acting Academy Award.
The emotional magnitude of the moment was not lost on Gladstone, who admitted to shedding tears of joy when her name was read out during the Oscar nominations announcement. However, the true depth of the occasion was perhaps best captured by the reactions of her parents, with Gladstone revealing that it “definitely turned on the waterworks” when she shared the news with them via FaceTime from Pawhuska, Okla.
The significance of her nomination goes beyond personal achievement, as Gladstone reflects on the broader impact it may have on raising awareness about Native American history. “It’s something that I wasn’t sure I would see in my career, in my lifetime,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of fostering understanding and empathy for Indigenous histories.
While Gladstone is not the first Indigenous artist nominated in the Best Actress category—preceded by Keisha Castle-Hughes and Yalitza Aparicio—she proudly claims the title of the first from the United States. Her nomination aligns with a positive trend in the industry, where Indigenous voices are gaining prominence and agency in shaping narratives.
The actress, who recently clinched a Golden Globe for her performance and garnered accolades from various film critics’ circles, views her recognition as part of a broader shift in storytelling. “We’re telling our own stories, or we have a really heavy hand in shaping how stories about us are told,” Gladstone remarked, expressing hope for a more inclusive and authentic representation in the film industry.
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese and based on David Grann’s nonfiction book, showcases Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman entangled in a murderous conspiracy. The film’s reported $200 million budget and A-list cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, have propelled Gladstone into the spotlight, following her breakout role in Kelly Reichardt’s 2016 indie, “Certain Women.”
In a recent interview, Gladstone touched on the significance of her nomination, recounting a touching moment with her father during the nomination announcements. She also emphasized the need for authentic representation of Native characters in film and the overdue opportunity “Killers of the Flower Moon” presented to restore their place onscreen.
As Lily Gladstone embarks on this historic journey, she carries with her not only the weight of personal achievement but also the hopes of a community and a commitment to reshaping the narrative for Native American representation in cinema.