Sacheen Littlefeather Declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar
In 1973, Marlon Brando won the Best Actor award for his performance in “The Godfather,” but he didn’t show up to the ceremony. Instead, he sent Apache actress and Native American rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award for him in an effort to draw attention to Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. The event was met with anger and confusion by the audience at the event, who booed Littlefeather, but it has remained one of the most memorable Oscar moments of all time. This appearance led to a rule that no longer allows any other person to accept an award on someone else’s behalf.