It is awards season in Hollywood – everyone’s favourite celebrities slip into designer gowns and tuxes and gather to celebrate their film and music feats. The Golden Globe awards took place this past weekend, creating a buzz around Leonardo DiCaprio’s win and subsequent acceptance speech. DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, and while his speech followed the usual protocol – thanking his cast mates, crewmembers, family and friends – it was his shout-out to the indigenous community at the end of his speech that has created some controversy.
"I want to share this award with all the First Nations people represented in this film and all the indigenous communities around the world," said DiCaprio, who played the lead role as a fur trapper seeking retribution in The Revenant. He added, "It is time we recognize your history and protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and people who are out there to exploit them."
Indigenous and non-indigenous people took to Twitter and other social media platforms to praise the actor. I, however, could not help but find his statement somewhat cynical, being that it is so at odds with the film for which he was nominated.
It is a stereotypical Hollywood portrayal of indigenous people, told from the perspective of a white fur trader. DiCaprio’s character’s motivation throughout the film was to seek revenge for the murder of his half-Indigenous son – who makes but a small cameo in the nearly three hour-long film. Other Indigenous characters- most notably a Pawnee tribesman, who aids DiCaprio in his journey home, is an incredibly one-dimensional character.
The majority of the film’s indigenous actors were hired from various reserves across Alberta. However, this is the first time they have received any recognition. They were not included in the films promotion, press, or in any other aspect of the awards season.
In 1973, actor Marlon Brando made history when he refused his Oscar for his role in the Godfather, and instead a young native activist, Sacheen Littlefeather, delivered his demurral on stage. This created an incredible backlash throughout North America – Littlefeather receiving an onslaught of racial slurs.
While attitudes toward indigenous issues have shifted in the last 30 years, the fact that DiCaprio is receiving praise for his speech perpetuates the Hollywood norm – portraying others’ stories and experiences through the limited eye of the white man.
While DiCaprio’s intentions are most likely honest, it speaks to a larger issue of misrepresentation of indigenous peoples – particularly in Hollywood films.
Adam Sandler’s Netflix special, The Ridiculous Six, was criticized earlier this year, as his over-the-line jokes resulted in a dozen native actors walking off the set.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s decision to honour indigenous people in his speech was honourable, and his intentions were honest. However, indigenous peoples history cannot properly be recognized, as DiCaprio hopes, if they are not given the opportunity to share their stories themselves.
