Lily Gladstone Makes History with Golden Globe Win

Lily Gladstone has been the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress, in a watershed moment for representation. The 37-year-old actress was honoured for her outstanding portrayal as Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," in which she played an Osage lady caught up in a murderous plan to grab her family's riches.

Lily, who is Blackfeet and Nez Perce, expressed her thanks in Blackfeet during her victory speech. Overwhelmed by her accomplishment, she expressed gratitude to the community that raised her and dedicated the medal to "every little rez kid" pursuing their aspirations. The victory is important not only for Gladstone, but also for Indigenous participation in the film industry.

Lily’s co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio, wore an Osage pin to the event to show his support. Leonardo, who grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, underlined the necessity of standing together with the Osage Nation.

While Lily’s triumph was unquestionably historic, his title as the first Indigenous person to win a Globe overall remains unclear. Indigenous candidates in the past, such as singer Buffy Sainte-Marie and guitarist Robbie Robertson, have helped to build a tradition of acknowledgment. Nonetheless, Lily’s victory is an important step forward in the ongoing fight for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment business.