“The stories of our Indigenous people have shaped the very foundational fabric of our modern day. And so much of that is just not known, not felt, not acknowledged.” Lily Gladstone said this in February of 2024 after her role in the film Killers of the Flower Moon earned her an Oscar nominee. In which she shared her plan for Indigenous inclusivity.
Born on the Blackfeet Reservation, August 2, 1986 and discovered her dream at the young age of 5. She had just seen Star Wars at the time and was determined to depict Ewok. She played an evil step sister just a few years later for Missoula’s Childrens Theatre’s production of Cinderella.
After moving to Seattle to be closer to her grandmother Lily starred in films and plays in Stone Soup theatre. She graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School as part of the Class of 2004.
From there she enrolled in the University of Montana where she encountered the Theatre of the Oppressed and performed in 4 films during her college years.
She began to teach acting in her Native American community just after graduating college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing and Acting. She had also minored in Native American Studies.
From then on Lily began to act in plays in minor roles eventually making a breakthrough in the film “Certain Women” in one of her most praised roles as Jamie. She also played Molly Burkat in “Flowers of the Killing Moon which earned her much praise and attention.
Lily Gladstone was the first Native American to win a Golden Globe award and receive a nomination of the Academy Award for Best Actress. She stands as a predecessor for many more to come.
Lily Gladstone is remembered as someone who would be first but not the last. She continues to star in cultural works and receive awards for her impeccable acting.