Lily Gladstone, reflecting on her Oscars journey, revealed that despite losing the Best Actress nod to Emma Stone for 'Poor Things,' the atmosphere in her homeland, the Blackfeet Nation, remained unwaveringly supportive. Following a bustling awards season highlighted by her role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' Gladstone returned to her roots, finding solace and celebration among her tribe.
During a recent interview with Esquire, the actress recalled her "heartwarming homecoming" and how her community rallied around her with a grand celebration dubbed "Lily Gladstone Day." She fondly reminisced, "It was a moment of immense pride, a unanimous decision from our confederacy. The turnout was overwhelming—two thousand people from across the United States, all gathered to honor me. It was truly one of the most profound experiences of my life."
Ahead of the festivities, Gladstone shared a humorous anecdote about how the organizers had prepared cardboard Oscar replicas for the children, anticipating her triumphant return. "They called, inquiring if it would be alright to distribute these replicas, fearing it might upset me if I didn't win," she chuckled. "I assured them it wouldn't, for it's all part of the awards circus—the artistic rivalry that drives us forward. My film, in its own right, had already made a profound impact."
She went on to emphasize that the loss didn't dampen her spirits. "Truth be told, no one was disappointed. After my Golden Globe win, many outsiders mistook it for an Oscar. But the recognition itself, the historical significance of the film, made it a momentous occasion. Whether I held that golden statuette or not was immaterial."
Gladstone expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from her fans, taking to social media post-Oscars to convey her heartfelt thanks. "The love I felt today was overwhelming, especially from my Indian Country brethren. I cherish you all," she wrote. She humorously recounted giving "a little Coup tap" to the iconic Oscar statue as she exited the Dolby Theater.
And when the Osage Singers took the stage, with their song 'Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)' nominated for Best Original Song, Gladstone was deeply moved. "Watching them, I felt a profound sense of unity," she shared. "Their presence at the Oscars was a fitting tribute to the Osage Nation and the rich history portrayed in the film. It was an honor to be a part of such a momentous occasion."
