Lily Gladstone Makes History: The Killers of the Flower Moon” revisits the harrowing Reign of Terror faced by the Osage Nation in the 1920 exploring the impact of the killings on the community and shedding light on the individuals involved.
In the film, Lily Gladstone delivers a powerful portrayal of Mollie Burkhart, a real Osage Nation member whose family fell victim to the ruthless targeting of their headlights, linked to valuable oil reserves beneath their reservation in Oklahoma.
Gladstone, hailing from the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, made history by winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama on January 7, marking the first time an Indigenous person claimed this prestigious award.
Expressing gratitude in her acceptance speech, Gladstone touched on the historical significance, delivering a portion in the Blackfeet language. She acknowledged the challenges Native actors faced in the industry, highlighting the past practice of running English lines backward for on-screen Native languages.
To understand Mollie’s story, one must delve into the factual accounts presented in David Grann’s book “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the source material for Martin Scorsese film.
As oil was discovered under the Osage reservation, Mollie became a wealthy Osage Nation member, retaining valuable oil headrights. Her union with chauffeur Ernest Burkhart resulted in marriage and the birth of three children: Elizabeth, Anna, and James (Cowboy).
However, the film unfolds the sinister motives behind Ernest’s actions. His uncle, William Hale, a respected figure in the community, orchestrated the marriage for Ernest to inherit Mollie’s headrights and immense wealth upon her death.
Tragedy struck Mollie’s family with mysterious deaths, including an execution-style slaying, a bombing, and apparent poisonings. The film portrays Mollie’s slow poisoning through insulin shots. When removed from Burkhart and Hale’s control, Mollie miraculously recovered.
Ernest faced a murder trial, accused of ordering the bombing that claimed Mollie’s sister Rita and her husband Bill Smith. Amidst the trial, their youngest daughter Anna fell seriously ill and died, with doctors attributing her death to illness.
Ernest, changing his plea to guilty, received a life sentence. Mollie attended trials for Hale, convicted of murdering her cousin Henry Roan, and Kelsie Morrison, convicted of her sister Anna Brown’s murder.
Post-trials, Mollie divorced Ernest, eventually finding love with John Cobb, whom she married in 1928. In 1931, she gained independence from a guardian, becoming a full-fledged American citizen. Mollie spent her final years happily with Cobb on the Osage Reservation, passing away in 1937 at the age of 50.
Ernest Burkhart, paroled in 1937, later returned to Oklahoma, living in challenging conditions until his death in 1986. Hale, released in 1947 after serving 20 years, died in an Arizona nursing home in 1962, as documented in Grann’s book.
FAQ About Lily Gladstone Makes History in Killers of the Flower Moon
Q: What is Lily Gladstone known for?
Ans: Lily Gladstone made history as the inaugural Indigenous recipient of the Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama at the Golden Globe Awards. Expressing her gratitude, she incorporated phrases in the Blackfeet language, marking a significant moment in her acceptance speech.
Q: What did Lily Gladstone win for?
Ans: A historic win at the Golden Globe Awards is getting attention within the Indigenous acting community. On Sunday night, Blackfeet actress Lily Gladstone won the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture- Drama for her role in the 2023 film, Killers of the Flower Moon.
Q: Is Killing of the Flower Moon based on a true story?
Ans: Martin Scorsese’s newest film, following a pattern in his acclaimed works like Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Aviator, and The Wolf of Wall Street, is rooted in a true story. This continuity aligns with his established filmmaking approach, delving into real-life narratives for cinematic inspiration.
Q: Did Killers of the Flower Moon flop?
Ans: If a traditional studio released Killers of the Flower Moon, it would be branded a flop. And Scorsese’s latest still requires a big turnout to be considered a commercial winner.
Also Read: Killers of the Flower Moon Gripping Tale Unfolds with DiCaprio and DeNiro
Our Reader’s Queries
What is Lily Gladstone known for?
Gladstone has been hitting the press circuit to drum up support for her Oscar campaign for “Flower Moon.” She clinched the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama and is up for best actress at the Critic’s Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Award.
What did Lily Gladstone win for?
The Indigenous acting community is abuzz with excitement following a monumental victory at the Golden Globe Awards. Lily Gladstone, a talented Blackfeet actress, took home the prestigious award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture- Drama for her outstanding performance in the 2023 film, Killers of the Flower Moon. This historic win has sparked celebration and recognition within the Indigenous acting community, marking a significant milestone for Gladstone and her fellow Indigenous actors.
Is Lily Gladstone the first Native American to win a Golden Globe?
In Beverly Hills, Lily Gladstone made Golden Globe history as the first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama. During her acceptance speech, she spoke in the Blackfeet language, making it a truly historic moment.
What did Lily Gladstone say?
Gratitude to everyone, this is dedicated to all the young Indigenous, urban, and rural children with big dreams. It’s about seeing ourselves and our stories portrayed authentically in our own words, thanks to our amazing allies and the trust we have in each other,” she expressed from the…