Hello and welcome to this day in esoteric political history from

Radiotopia my name is Jody Avergan. This day March 27th 1973 1973, it is Oscar Knight, the glitz, the glamour, the actors making political statements,

all the traditions are there, but this moment is probably the most fascinating in Oscar history when it comes to political

stances because on this night actor Marlon Brando declined the Academy Award

for Best Actor for a performance that really revives his career, the Godfather. And instead, the Native American

actress and activist Sasheen Little Feather attended the ceremony in Brando's place, took the stage

to accept the award, though declined taking the

statute itself, and then stated that Brando very regretfully could not accept

the award as he was protesting Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans in film.

We'll read a bit more of her actual remarks because they are really amazing.

It's quite a remarkable moment, but let's talk about Brando's protests, the larger context of Hollywood at that time, and of course the even

longer and ongoing context of political statements at award ceremonies.

Here to do that as always is Nicole Hammer of Columbia and Kelly Carter Jackson of

Wesley hello there. Hello Jody hey there and our special guest for this

episode is Amy Nicholson film critic and host of the wonderful film

podcast unspooled Amy thank you so much for doing this.

Oh this is my pleasure. I'm really looking forward to this conversation and this is running on

Oscar Day so happy Oscar Sunday to everyone and I guess if you're listening to this

tomorrow who knows what kind of political statements took place at this year's

Oscars we'll see I wouldn't be surprised given war and one or two might sneak in.

I know.

We're due.

...