Fact Finder - Movies

One of the most controversial moments in Oscar history occurred when Marlon Brando refused to accept his Best Actor award for 'The Godfather.' Instead of attending, Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist and actress, to represent him. When his name was announced, Littlefeather took the stage but refused to touch the statuette offered by Roger Moore. She delivered a short speech explaining that Brando 'very regretfully' could not accept the award due to the 'treatment of American Indians today by the film industry.' The audience's reaction was a mix of boos and applause. Littlefeather later claimed that security had to restrain Western star John Wayne from physically pulling her off the stage. This was the second time an actor refused the Best Actor prize (George C. Scott was the first for 'Patton'), but Brando's political use of the platform remains the most discussed act of protest in the Academy's history.