In 1973, Marlon Brando famously declined an Oscar for The Godfather over Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans.
Finally, after nearly 50 years, the Academy Awards have awarded a Native American actor an Oscar.
Wes Studi, who appeared in the Oscar best picture winner Dances with Wolves, has been given an honorary award for career achievement.
The 71-year-old has also appeared in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar, starred alongside Al Pacino in Heat, and portrayed the character Sagat in Street Fighter.
Canadian native musician Buffy Sainte-Marie previously shared an Oscar for best original song for “Up Where We Belong” from the film An Officer and a Gentleman.
Studi’s win has been seen as a step forward for the Academy Awards jurors, who have come under criticism for the lack of diversity among nominees.
Last year, over 900 artists and industry members – almost a half of which were women, and a third from minority groups – joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
