As the curtain falls on another year, it’s a fitting time to reflect on conservative figures who’ve left a mark on Hollywood, particularly John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Their legacies stand as a contrast to moments of absurdity in the entertainment industry. One such occasion was the notoriously misguided Oscars ceremony in 1974. At that time, what ‘woke’ meant was simply to wake up, long before it became a cultural catchphrase.
During the 1974 Oscars, Marlon Brando was all but guaranteed to take home the Best Actor award for his iconic role in ‘The Godfather.’ Instead of appearing himself, Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, to reject the award. Littlefeather delivered a speech that pivoted from gratitude for the honor to a critique of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans and a plea for understanding. ‘I beg at this time that I have not intruded upon this evening,’ she said, attempting to squeeze political commentary into one of cinema’s most glamorous nights.
The reception was as chaotic as the moment itself. Cheers mingled with boos, showing the audience’s split response. John Wayne, known for his strong yet humble persona, reportedly was so incensed he wanted to confront Littlefeather directly, an outburst quelled only by security. Meanwhile, Clint Eastwood cut through the tension with a sly remark: ‘I don’t know if I should present this award on behalf of all the cowboys shot in all the John Ford westerns over the years.’ Eastwood’s wit stood out amidst the spectacle.
Over time, Littlefeather transformed from a controversial figure to a newfound icon embraced by the Hollywood left. Even as she passed away in 2022, the perception of her legacy was undoubtedly shaped by her political message and the aesthetic of activism. The U.K. Guardian hailed her as ‘one of the elders transmitting knowledge down generations.’ Littlefeather’s statement to the media, highlighting her return to the world of her ancestors, resonated as a noble farewell.
However, as the narrative evolved, it became increasingly apparent that her identity was complex. Following her death, reports revealed she was of Mexican descent instead of Native American, a revelation that called her authenticity into question. Her sister, Trudy Orlandi, succinctly noted that Littlefeather believed being Native American would elevate her status over being Hispanic. It raised the question of authenticity that often lingers in the shadows of identity politics—what does it mean to truly represent a community?
Furthermore, the American Indian Movement, which Littlefeather advocated for during that infamous acceptance speech, is viewed through a different lens today. Once heralded in the 1970s for its activism, the organization has since been linked to violence and terrorism, including the notorious case of Leonard Peltier. In hindsight, it seems that Wayne and Eastwood, the epitomes of classic American heroism, were indeed the just voices amid the noise of a fleeting cultural moment.
As the entertainment landscape continues to shift, there remains a stark contrast in how figures like Wayne and Eastwood embodied the values of their time. Should another moment of absurdity similar to the 1974 Oscars unfold, one can only wish for individuals of their caliber to speak out. A new generation of actors may find it difficult to emulate the straightforward integrity that once defined Hollywood’s most beloved cowboys.
"*" indicates required fields
