Leonardo DiCaprio's shout out to First Nations cause for introspection
Kim Wheeler | CBC News | Posted: January 11, 2016 9:51 PM | Last Updated: January 14, 2016
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:
But others did not buy into his words:
Someone pointed out Marlon Brando's Oscar controversy:
Brando 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:
Although 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.