Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar for “The Godfather” has died. She was 75.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed the news via Twitter on Sunday.
Nearly 50 years ago, Littlefeather attended the Oscars in Brando’s place after the actor decided to boycott the ceremony out of protest for the portrayal of Native Americans in the entertainment industry. When Brando was named the winner of the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “The Godfather,” Littlefeather gave a speech on Brando’s behalf declining the honor with a mix of applause and jeers, with presenters Raquel Welch and Clint Eastwood making dismissive jokes about Brando and Littlefeather’s actions later that evening.