Sacheen Littlefeather, who declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar for 'The Godfather' dies at 75

Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather passed away on Sunday at 75. The renowned actor became popular for not accepting Marlon Brando’s Oscar award for Best Actor for 'The Godfather'. The Academy shared the news of Sacheen's death on Twitter.

Media reports confirmed that Sacheen was with her family when she took her last breath on Sunday in Marin County, California. In 2018, the activist confirmed that she was suffering from stage-4 breast cancer. The Littlefeather family informed the press that Sacheen was surrounded by her family and passed away peacefully.

Sacheen rose to prominence after declining the Best Actor award on behalf of Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973. Brando and Sacheen protested against the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood movies and in support of the then-ongoing protests at Wounded Knee. The audience was divided on Brando and Sacheen’s activity, with many booing her while on stage and some cheering her for her courage.




However, the Academy sent an official statement of apology to Sacheen in June 2022, which the Native American community considered a 'bare minimum.' Sacheen worked in notable movies in the 1970s, including The Trial of the Billy Jack (1974), Winterhawk (1975), and Shoot the Sun Down (1978).

FAQs

• When did Sacheen Littlefeather die?
Sacheen passed away on Sunday, October 2. She was suffering from breast cancer.

• Why did Sacheen Littlefeather accept the Oscar?
Sacheen accepted the award on behalf of Brando as the two protested against the portrayal of Native Americans in movies and the Wounded Knee protests.