Lily Gladstone wins for Killers of the Flower Moon
Lily Gladstone
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Lily Gladstone made history by winning Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday.
She won for her role as Molly Burkhart Moonflower Killers, directed by Martin Scorsese, making her the first Indigenous actress to win the category. Her character was an Osage woman married to a key accomplice in the systematic assassination of the Osage people in the 1920s.
After Gladstone received the honor from Jessica Chastain, she took to the stage to say how “proud” she was of her fellow actors who had come “here in solidarity with all our other unions” in the wake of last year’s Hollywood strikes.
“I feel good about what you’ve done and what you’re doing,” she said. “This has been a difficult year for all of us. Those in this room, and those who are not in this room.”
During her speech, Gladstone (who uses he/they pronouns) also realized what a “gift” it is to be able to work as an actor for a living.
“Winning has to be here. It has to be on set. It’s telling stories,” she added. “We’re bringing compassion to a world that desperately needs it. It is very easy to distance ourselves. It’s so easy to shut down, to stop feeling, and we all continue to feel bravely and it humanises people, brings them out of the shadows. It brings vision.”
Later, Gladstone encouraged the audience and viewers at home to “keep telling stories to everyone in this room, and to everyone outside watching. Those of you, who are not actors but have a voice, have a story that needs to be heard. Thank you to all the compassionate souls in this The room and all the storytellers are here tonight. Keep speaking your truths and keep speaking for each other.
Other actresses nominated in this category include Annette Bening NaiadCarey Mulligan L Artist, band leaderMargot Robbie’s Barbie And Emma Stone’s Bad things.
Gladstone (Blackfeet/Nimiipuu) is making history this awards season, first by winning a Golden Globe in January for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. She became the first Indigenous performer to win an award in the ceremony’s 81-year history.
She is also the first Native American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award with her recent nomination for Best Actress. Gladstone scored victories at the National Board of Review and the New York Film Critics Circle as well.
Throughout the season, Gladstone continued to advocate for Indigenous representation on big and small screens, using her acceptance speeches, interviews and red carpet appearances as opportunities to educate. She has also supported other Indigenous people who have chosen to opt out of viewing Moonflower Killers Because of its depiction of violence against the Osage, which may be shocking.
The 30th Annual SAG Awards were held on February 24 at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Find the full list of winners here.
