In a groundbreaking moment at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, Lily Gladstone made history as she won the prestigious award for best actress in a motion picture – drama. Gladstone’s triumph was particularly remarkable as she delivered her acceptance speech in the Blackfeet language, a significant milestone for Native American representation in the entertainment industry.
Gladstone, alongside fellow nominees Carey Mulligan (Maestro), Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), Annette Bening (Nyad), Greta Lee (Past Lives), and Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), was recognized for her outstanding performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Starting her acceptance speech in Blackfeet, Gladstone emotionally thanked her community and those who supported her journey. She expressed her gratitude for being able to speak a bit of her native language, highlighting the historical challenges faced by Native actors who often had to deliver their lines in English and then have them altered to resemble Native languages on camera.
“This [win] is a historic one. It doesn’t belong to just me,” Gladstone emphasized, acknowledging the significance of her achievement. She extended her gratitude to director and co-writer Martin Scorsese, as well as her co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, for their commitment to changing the industry and being strong allies.
Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Kyle in Apple TV+’s “Killers of the Flower Moon“ depicted the real-life events of serial killings in the Osage Nation during the 1920s. The film marked her first Golden Globe nomination and win, solidifying her place as a remarkable talent in the industry.
Her acceptance of the award in Blackfeet was a powerful moment, symbolizing a step towards greater diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. As she concluded her speech, Gladstone dedicated her victory “for every little res kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented in our stories told by ourselves in our own words with tremendous allies and tremendous trust from within from each other.”
Gladstone’s historic win is a testament to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, where diversity and authentic representation are celebrated and embraced.
The 2024 Golden Globe Awards showcased outstanding performances and groundbreaking moments, with “Barbie” leading in film nominations and “Succession” dominating the television categories.
