Lily Gladstone Makes History as First Indigenous Best Actress Winner at Golden Globes
In a groundbreaking moment at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, Lily Gladstone seized the spotlight as she clinched her first-ever Golden Globe award. Stepping onto the stage, Gladstone addressed the live TV audience in the Blackfeet language, marking a historic win as the first Indigenous actress to receive the prestigious accolade for best actress in a drama.
“This is for every little rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented and our stories told — by ourselves, in our own words — with tremendous allies and tremendous trust from and with each other,” expressed Gladstone, 37.
Her notable achievement was for her compelling portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The movie delves into a harrowing narrative of Mollie’s family, targeted in a ruthless series of murders as part of a plot to claim the headrights to their oil-rich land in Oklahoma.
In a touching display of solidarity, co-star Leonardo DiCaprio wore an Osage pin at the event, expressing support for the Osage nation portrayed in the film.
Lily Gladstone becomes the first Indigenous actor to win a Golden Globe. pic.twitter.com/MH8O15oXlg
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 8, 2024
Gladstone, accompanied by her mother on the red carpet, later paid homage to her parents backstage, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her career. She shared, “Every time I’ve felt a level of guilt or it wasn’t really possible, my mom and my dad my whole life never once questioned that this is what I was meant to do.”
Raised between Seattle and the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, Gladstone expressed gratitude for the supportive community that encouraged her journey. “It’s a beautiful community, nation, that encouraged me to keep going, keep doing this,” she said, highlighting the importance of her mother’s efforts to introduce Blackfeet language education.
Looking forward, Gladstone acknowledged the possibility of an Oscar win and expressed a desire to use such a moment to showcase her Blackfeet language. “It would be an incredible moment in my life, but it would mean so much more than just me,” she stated.
Lily Gladstone’s historic win follows Irene Bedard’s 1995 Golden Globe nomination, making her the second Native actress to receive recognition at the prestigious awards. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gladstone remarked, “I don’t have words. I’m so grateful that I can speak even a little bit of my language, which I’m not fluent in, up here.” She concluded by emphasizing that the award is a shared triumph, stating, “It doesn’t belong to just me. I’m holding it right now. I’m holding it with all my beautiful sisters in the film.”