What Apology? Academy Admits Mistreatment of Sacheen Littlefeather.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently admitted to mistreating Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando's Academy Award for Best Actor on his behalf in 1973. This apology comes after years of controversy and criticism over the way the Academy has treated marginalized communities in the film industry. In this article, we will explore the details of the Academy's admission and what it means for the future of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

The Admission

The Academy's admission of mistreatment towards Sacheen Littlefeather comes after years of pressure from activists and advocates for indigenous representation in the film industry. Littlefeather, who was an actress and activist herself, took the stage at the 45th Academy Awards to decline the award on behalf of Brando, who was not present at the ceremony. She used her time on stage to bring attention to the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry and the ongoing conflict at Wounded Knee.

However, the Academy did not take kindly to Littlefeather's activism and banned her from future ceremonies. They also attempted to discredit her and downplay the significance of her protest. This mistreatment has been a stain on the Academy's history for decades and has only recently been addressed.

What This Means for Diversity and Inclusion in Hollywood

The Academy's admission of mistreatment towards Sacheen Littlefeather is a step forward for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. It shows that the Academy is willing to acknowledge its past mistakes and work towards a more equitable future. However, this apology alone is not enough to address the systemic issues that still exist in the film industry.

The lack of representation for marginalized communities, including Native Americans, is still a major issue in Hollywood. While there have been some strides made in recent years, such as with the success of films like "Moonlight" and "Black Panther," there is still a long way to go. It is important for the film industry as a whole to take a critical look at its practices and work towards creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Investing in Diverse Voices

Investing in diverse voices is not only the right thing to do from a social justice perspective, but it is also a smart investment strategy. Research has shown that films with diverse casts and crews tend to perform better at the box office. In addition, diverse perspectives can lead to more innovative and original storytelling, which can attract audiences and critical acclaim.

Investors and producers should consider the potential financial benefits of investing in diverse voices and actively seek out opportunities to support underrepresented filmmakers. This can include funding initiatives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Conclusion

The Academy's admission of mistreatment towards Sacheen Littlefeather is a small but significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable film industry. However, there is still much work to be done to address the systemic issues that exist. Investors and producers have an important role to play in supporting diverse voices and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. By working together, we can create a film industry that truly reflects the diversity of our society.