Leonardo DiCaprio's shout out to First Nations cause for introspection
Some quick to praise, but others skeptical of The Revenant star's Golden Globe speech
In Leonard DiCaprio's thank you speech for best actor at the Golden Globes, his acknowledgement of First Nations people was front and centre.
"I want to share this award with all the First Nations people represented in this film and all the indigenous communities around the world," said DiCaprio, who played the lead role as a fur trapper seeking retribution in The Revenant.
He added: "It is time we recognize your history and protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and people who are out there to exploit them."
Immediately indigenous people took to social media to praise the actor:
Leonardo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dicaprio?src=hash">#Dicaprio</a> thank you so much for the acknowledgment for the First Nations in your acceptance speech!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/therevenant?src=hash">#therevenant</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FN?src=hash">#FN</a>
—@WaawaateWhat???😃 <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio">@LeoDiCaprio</a> thanking Indigenous people and protecting the land from corporations. Miigwetch. Ahéhee' 🙌🏽❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldenGlobes?src=hash">#GoldenGlobes</a>
—@tinselkorey<a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio">@LeoDiCaprio</a> Congrats to you Leonardo DiCaprio on your Golden Globe win, and Thank you for remembering us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FirstNations?src=hash">#FirstNations</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indigenous?src=hash">#Indigenous</a>
—@LeeLongWolfBut others did not buy into his words:
Sad for the stand around the Fort NDNs who take crumbs of praise. Hollywood keeps stereotyping FN ppl! Should we be proud? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheRevenant?src=hash">#TheRevenant</a>
—@RachelAnnSnowWhen do we give Leo a prize for meeting the minimum requirement of being a decent human being? I'm sure white people have an award for that.
—@TobyRolloSomeone pointed out Marlon Brando's Oscar controversy:
An important thing to remember is Sacheen Littlefeather was subject to all manner of hate for her speech, which Leo will not experience.
—@KamayaamBrando sent actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline his Oscar for his 1973 win of best actor for The Godfather.
And others pointed out the obvious:
<a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio">@LeoDiCaprio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/advocating?src=hash">#advocating</a>,giving acknowledgements, 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indigenous?src=hash">#indigenous</a> storiesvoices Sometimes white men have to tell other white men whats up!
—@JbthefirstladyAs nice as was for <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio">@LeoDiCaprio</a> to acknowledge the native struggle, Marlon Brando said same in 70s. Nothing changes. <a href="https://t.co/ypzDiDUs5I">https://t.co/ypzDiDUs5I</a>
—@chicosezAlthough there seems to be overwhelming support for DiCaprio, his speech also generated discussion among indigenous commentators about how Hollywood represents them.
Whether you agree or disagree with the Golden Globe winner, one thing is for certain — Hollywood is probably wondering who the First Nations are.