AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Lily Gladstone’s Historic Journey

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Lily Gladstone, whose namesake is her great-grandmother, shares an intriguing connection with her character, Mollie Burkhart, in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Both women, born a decade apart in the late 19th century, were deeply rooted in tradition, cherished by their Native communities, and devout Catholics.

Gladstone’s upbringing straddled Seattle and the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, exposing her to the stories of previous generations of Native women. These tales spoke of their encounters with a rapidly modernizing America and the ruthless exploitation of tribal lands for resources.

The Osage murders of the early 20th century, a harrowing period where the Osage people were targeted for their oil-rich land rights, unfolded in Oklahoma, far from Gladstone’s Montana home. Nevertheless, as a narrative of the sinister exploitation of Native individuals, “Killers of the Flower Moon” resonated deeply with Gladstone’s heritage.

Lily Gladstone assumes the role of the anguished heart and compassionate conscience in the film, embodying not only Mollie but generations of Native experiences, from joy to pain. The prestigious recognition from The Big Big News as one of its five Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023 attests to her remarkable performance, skillfully delving into one of America’s darkest historical chapters.

In a recent interview, Gladstone acknowledged the weight of her family’s legacy and expressed her connection to the story: “Even though I’m not Osage, it did very much feel like it was in my blood.”

This standout performance catapulted the 37-year-old Gladstone, who initially garnered attention in Kelly Reichardt’s 2016 indie “Certain Women,” into the spotlight. Her Golden Globe nomination is just one of many accolades, and she stands on the verge of making history as the potential first Native American to win a competitive Oscar for Best Actress.

When asked about the significance of such an achievement, Gladstone’s response reflects her profound connection to her heritage. She envisions using the platform to speak her language and further connect with her roots, emphasizing that the moment would transcend her personal success.

Gladstone’s journey in the entertainment industry was marked by a dearth of Native role models on screen. She fondly recalls Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan in “Willow” as a character that vaguely represented Indigenous identity, humorously noting his long hair.

Originally aspiring to become a dancer, Gladstone drew inspiration from Maria Tallchief, America’s first major prima ballerina, who, like Mollie, hailed from Fairfax, Oklahoma. In an intriguing twist, the blankets she used in “Killers of the Flower Moon” were sourced from the Tallchief family, symbolizing the layers of women intertwined in her portrayal.

The film, adapted from David Grann’s book, initially focused on federal investigator Thomas Bruce White Sr., with Leonardo DiCaprio slated for the role. However, Scorsese and DiCaprio decided to shift the narrative away from a white savior perspective. They centered the film on Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio), who married Mollie and plotted her demise to inherit her valuable land rights.

DiCaprio, impressed by Gladstone’s contribution, hailed her as the soul of the film and emphasized her pivotal role in guiding the storytelling from the Osage perspective.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” was a collaborative effort with the Osage community, and Gladstone often served as a crucial liaison. She has become an integral part of the Osage Nation’s community, participating in their traditional events and dinners.

While some Indigenous communities have voiced reservations about a $200 million Hollywood production delving into such a painful history, Gladstone views the Native collaboration as a historic moment in cinema. She appreciates the significance of revisiting the 1920s, a period when Hollywood perpetuated stereotypical portrayals of Native Americans, with a filmmaker deeply connected to the history of American cinema.

Throughout the film’s release, Gladstone has actively engaged in discussions generated by “Killers of the Flower Moon,” bridging the gap between Hollywood’s checkered past and a more promising future.

As she navigates this momentous period in her career, Gladstone remains grounded, savoring the experience as it unfolds. With a serene smile, she reflects, “It’s got its own pace, it’s got its own rhythm. It’s temporary. So like anything that’s temporary and fleeting, you just have to enjoy the moment.”

In these moments, Lily Gladstone epitomizes the essence of a Breakthrough Entertainer, making her mark not only in film but also in history.

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For more on AP’s 2023 class of Breakthrough Entertainers, visit https://bigbignews.net/ap-breakthrough-entertainers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Native Representation

More about Native Representation

• Lily Gladstone: Lily Gladstone’s IMDb profile.
• Killers of the Flower Moon: IMDb page for the film.
• Golden Globe Nomination: Information about Lily Gladstone’s Golden Globe nomination.
• Osage Nation: Official website of the Osage Nation.
• Native American Representation in Film: An article discussing Native American representation in Hollywood films.
• 1920s Stereotypes in Hollywood: Historical context on stereotypes of Native Americans in 1920s Hollywood.