Wes Studi is finally getting an Oscar! Deadline reports Studi is one of three recipients of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Board of Governors’ Award on Monday. He is the first Indigenous actor to receive this honor.
Directors David Lynch and Lina Wertmüller will also receive the honorary Oscar at the Governor’s Awards ceremony in October. Actress Geena Davis will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the ceremony. These awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment business but have not yet received an Oscar.
Studi is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He has appeared in many Oscar-nominated films such as Dances with Wolves and The Last of the Mohicans. Studi appeared on the 2018 Academy Awards broadcast, paying tribute to military films. A veteran himself, Studi thanked all veterans and Cherokee people who serve in the U. S. Armed Forced. And he did so in the Cherokee language. It is the first time an Indigenous language was spoken on the Oscar stage.
Studi posted his reaction on Twitter Monday afternoon, tweeting that he finally gets to thank the Academy.
I am deeply honored and humbled. I finally get to say "I'd like to thank the Academy…" https://t.co/WaDqoutdwO
— Wes Studi (@WesleyStudi) June 3, 2019
Studi is from Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma and is the biggest celebrity in the Native communities. Mr. Studi gave us a place in the movie industry when they only saw a savage Indian. And he continues to work for better representation in front of and behind the camera.
Congratulation Mr. Studi. Well deserved and long overdue!
RELATED: GGA Indigenerd Wire: Wes Studi Is More Than a Token Indian
News Editor, Senior Contributor, and Press Editor. Coordinate breaking news, trailers and press releases. I also contribute reviews, recaps and interviews. Creator of the Indigenerd Wire, a column dedicated to the Indigenous creatives in pop culture.
GGA's resident Indigenerd, a little bit rez, a little bit classy...with a love for all things Star Wars, zombies, science fiction, and Indigenous. My ultimate goal is to start my own podcast.
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