Welcome to the On The Stage Trailblazer Series, where we celebrate the extraordinary individuals making groundbreaking contributions to the performing arts. In this edition, we feature the incredible Lily Gladstone, a pioneering Native American actress whose journey from the stage to the silver screen is truly inspiring.
Lily Gladstone was born on August 2, 1986, in Kalispell, Montana, and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of the Northwestern United States. Growing up on the Blackfeet Reservation, she was deeply influenced by her community’s rich cultural traditions and storytelling heritage. With ties to the Kainai, Amskapi Piikani, and Nimi’ipuu First Nations, Gladstone has always been committed to authentic representation in the arts.
Her love for performance began early. She landed her first acting role as an evil stepsister in a Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Cinderella. This experience and her high school theater involvement sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling and set the stage for her future career.
In an interview with The Talks, Lily explained, “I think my dad knew that I had this performance streak, so he would often put on movies, and he says I really studied them hard. And he encouraged that! Some of them were for kids, some of them were a little bit more complex: The Brother from Another Planet was one that was on repeat.”
Gladstone pursued her passion at the University of Montana, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing, with a minor in Native American Studies. As the first Native student to receive a Presidential Leadership Scholarship from UM’s Davidson Honors College, she was an active member of UM’s School of Theatre and Dance, participating in numerous plays and student films. She also toured with UM Montana Repertory Theatre productions of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Miracle Worker.
Her academic achievements were recognized last spring when she received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Montana, alongside educator and tribal elder Carol Tatsey-Murray. UM President Seth Bodnar praised their contributions, saying, “Lily and Carol serve as shining examples of how a UM education can propel you toward future success. They are making real change in the world.”
Lily Gladstone has showcased her versatility and depth as an actress on numerous stages. Notably, her performance as Patricia in The Taming allowed her to demonstrate her comedic timing and skill with sharp dialogue. She has also been involved in productions like Fancy Dancer, a key example of Gladstone’s commitment to bringing Native American stories to the forefront. The production, which delves into the complexities of cultural identity and heritage, was well-received by both audiences and critics, highlighting her dedication to authentic representation.
Gladstone’s seamless transition from theater to film is a testament to her skill and experience. The discipline and attention to detail honed on stage have enriched her film performances, where she brings a nuanced and deeply emotional presence to each role. Known for her ability to subtly convey complex emotions, she caught Martin Scorsese’s eye, who cast her as Mollie Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon. Scorsese praised her on numerous occasions for her trust in simplicity and naturally commanding screen presence.
Her recent role as Mollie in Killers of the Flower Moon generated considerable buzz, positioning her as a strong Oscar nominee. The film, adapted from David Grann’s book, explores a series of mysterious deaths in 1920s Oklahoma amidst the Osage Nation’s oil wealth. Gladstone’s groundbreaking performance underscored her trailblazing impact. Read on to learn more about her impressive award season!
Despite her film success, Gladstone remains connected to her theatrical roots. She frequently speaks about the importance of theater in her life, emphasizing how it has shaped her understanding of storytelling and character.
Before winning acclaim for Killers of the Flower Moon and Reservation Dogs, Lily Gladstone was dedicated to educating children about Native American history through an educational theater program. In her role as Alice, a Navajo girl facing an abusive, assimilationist education, she used her platform to highlight often-overlooked historical aspects. Even while juggling additional jobs for health insurance, her commitment to her craft and advocacy remained unwavering.
Offscreen, Gladstone is known for her openness and authenticity. She frequently shares insights from her experiences and the wisdom she’s gained from elders, which have deeply influenced her acting approach. Looking forward, Gladstone is focused on bringing more Native stories to the screen as she believes that effective storytelling starts with listening, a principle she deeply values in her work.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lily shares, “I have an overwhelming amount of support coming from Osage, coming from my own nation too. I haven’t lived on my reservation for a long time, but I still have family and dearest friends of my life there.”
Lily Gladstone’s trailblazing achievements in 2024 have reshaped the landscape of Hollywood. Her remarkable performance in Killers of the Flower Moon earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, making her the first Indigenous actor to win this prestigious award in the Golden Globes’ 81-year history. This historic victory celebrated her exceptional talent and marked a significant leap for Indigenous representation in the film industry.
Adding to her accolades, Gladstone was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the same film, becoming the first Native American actress of American descent to receive such a nomination. Although she did not take home the Oscar, this nod was a landmark acknowledgment of her extraordinary work.
Her peers at the Screen Actors Guild also recognized her talent, awarding her Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her portrayal in Killers of the Flower Moon. This accolade further cemented her status as a leading actress of her generation.
Not just confined to film, Gladstone’s influence extended into television. In 2024, she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role as Officer Cam Bentland in Under the Bridge. This nomination, alongside Kali Reis’s, was one of only two instances of Indigenous women being honored in acting categories at the Primetime Emmys, reflecting Gladstone’s expanding impact across the entertainment industry.
Beyond these major awards, Gladstone’s talent has been celebrated through various accolades, including Best Actress honors from the Atlanta Film Critics Circle, Boston Online Film Critics Association, and Chicago Film Critics Association for Killers of the Flower Moon. Her performance in The Unknown Country also garnered significant attention, earning her a Gotham Award for Outstanding Lead Performance.
Lily’s accolades underscore her remarkable talent and represent a broader shift toward greater recognition and representation of Indigenous artists in Hollywood. Her contributions to both theater and film offer audiences a rich tapestry of Native American stories and experiences, and in her personal life, she remains committed to advocacy.
In reflecting on her legacy, Gladstone shared a profound insight: “Something I’ve been thinking about is that, really, at the basis of life is water. So you could feel like, ‘This is a great pressure, but if I allow myself to be a dam, although I feel the pressure of all of this water behind me, it’s about just letting it pass through and continue and connect through community.’”
Gladstone’s commitment to theater remains a cornerstone of her artistic identity. Her theatrical work, from educational programs to acclaimed performances, continues to inform and deepen her film roles, ensuring that her portrayals are grounded in authenticity and emotional depth. As she rises in the entertainment industry, her legacy grows, marked by her dedication to amplifying Native voices and stories and her ongoing contribution to a more inclusive and representative narrative in Hollywood.
As we celebrate Gladstone’s remarkable impact on theater and film, we must shine a light on the incredible organizations that champion Native American arts and culture. These dedicated groups honor Indigenous communities’ profound heritage and storytelling traditions, offering crucial support and platforms for both emerging and established artists.
By supporting these organizations, you amplify the voices and stories that Lily and countless others strive to elevate. Explore and support them today!
First Peoples Fund: The First Peoples Fund supports Native artists and culture bearers in preserving and revitalizing their artistic traditions. Through grants, fellowships, and resources, they help artists create impactful work that reflects and celebrates their heritage.
Native Arts and Cultures Foundation: This organization works to advance and support Native arts by providing funding, promoting arts education, and advocating for increased recognition and appreciation of Native arts. They aim to sustain Indigenous cultural practices through various programs and initiatives.
The Indigenous Performance Initiative (IPI): Conceived in 2015 in Vancouver, BC, IPI began a response to the need to counteract industry prejudice and support Native artists in overcoming stereotypes. IPI now operates as a dynamic organization providing a platform for over 100 Indigenous artists yearly through extensive outreach, touring, and production programs.
Redhawk Native American Arts Council: The Redhawk Native American Arts Council, founded in 1994, is a nonprofit organization rooted in the vibrant urban Indigenous communities of New York and New Jersey. Through diverse artistic and educational programs, Redhawk promotes Indigenous American heritage, addresses critical issues such as climate change and stereotypes, and produces major Indigenous celebrations in the Northeast, all while fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and history among students and educators.