'The Slap' Wasn't The Oscars' Ugliest Moment...This Is
Okay, we now are officially of the opinion that the whole thing with Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars is being blown out of proportion.
Was it unnecessary violence? Yes. Did it distract from all the good that was happening at the ceremony and ruin everyone else's good time? Yeah. Did it tarnish Will Smith's Best Actor win? Yeah, maybe a little. Is it now distracting from literally anything else we could be talking about? Unfortunately, also yes.
But really, the people who are calling this "the ugliest Oscars in history" are taking it a bit too far. On the grand scale of Awful Things That Have Happened At Academy Awards Ceremonies, we're sure this is low on the list.
How are we so sure? Well, we're pretty sure we've found the real lowest moment in Oscars history, and it's so many shades worse than this that we can't help but feel this is all very silly.
In a now-viral tweet, Persian artist Rafael Shimunov shared a video from the Oscars ceremony in 1973 - the year Native American woman Sacheen Littlefeather went up to represent Marlon Brando for his Best Actor win for The Godfather, which he refused.
1973: Native American actor Sacheen Littlefeather boo'd (and cheered) by Hollywood at the Oscars before being mocked by Clint Eastwood and almost physically assaulted by John Wayne simply for asking that Indigenous people not to be dehumanized in film.pic.twitter.com/BgOiuBq4hR
— Rafael Shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) October 11, 2021
In her full speech, she said:
"My name is Sacheen Littlefeather. I'm Apachi, and I am President of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee. I am representing Marlon Brando this evening, and he has asked me to tell you - in a very long speech which I cannot share with you presently, because of time, but I will be glad to share with the press afterwards - that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award.
And the reasons for this...are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry - [she is interrupted by booing] Excuse me. [applause] - and on television and movie reruns, and also with recently happenings at wounded knee.
I beg at this time that I have not intruded on this evening and that...in the future our hearts and our understandings will meet with love and generosity. Thank you, on behalf of Marlon Brando."
After this, Clint Eastwood came on and made a glib and dismissive comment about honoring the fallen, fictional cowboys in his movies, and - according to the memories of even the most charitable of fans on Twitter - John Wayne had to be physically restrained from assaulting the woman.
Clint Eastwood mocking was blown out of proportion and he thought she was doing a bit and he had to follow her so he tried to lighten the mood and he later regretted it! He apologized after finding out who she was! But it’s 100 true about John Wayne having to be held back!
— Cookie Pussy (@TheCookiePussy) March 29, 2022
Sasheen Littlefeather gave a memorable non-acceptance speech on behalf of Marlon Brando at the 1973 Oscars. Boycotting the award was his response to a 10 week siege at Pine Ridge reservation at Wounded Knee, SD over a corrupt tribal leader and unkept U.S. gov’t. treaty promises.
— KayJay (@KathleenRA13) March 28, 2022
So, yeah. Compared to this, the Will Smith and Chris Rock beef just seems...childish. Maybe we can just leave them be and let them work it out on their own, since Will apologized and Chris decided not to file charges.
