In a historic moment for the Oscars, Lily Gladstone of the Blackfeet Nation has snagged a nomination for Best Actress, a first for a Native American in the Academy's competitive acting categories. A graduate of Mountlake Terrace High School, Gladstone's nod comes for her performance as Mollie Burkhart in Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," reported by The Seattle Times. She's not alone in her connection to the Pacific Northwest, sharing this distinction with Paul Giamatti and Christopher Miller, both of whom also received nods for their work.

Amidst the buzz of awards season, Gladstone stands out not only for her riveting portrayal but also for her off-screen advocacy for authentic Indigenous representation. In a Golden Globe speech that marked her historic win in early January, Gladstone addressed the audience in Blackfeet, highlighting the importance of language and culture preservation. Her role in the Scorsese epic, where Gladstone played against heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, earned her praises for her "magnetic" performance, as noted by The New York Times.

Scorsese himself was captivated by Gladstone's talent, with the director recounting to People, "I couldn’t take my eyes off of her," speaking of her performance in the indie film "Certain Women" that put her on his radar. DiCaprio echoed this sentiment, revealing that Gladstone became "a source of guidance" in the storytelling process of "Killers of the Flower Moon." Outside her celebrated turn in this film, Gladstone has made a name for herself on both the big and small screens, with roles in productions such as "First Cow," "The Unknown Country," and appearances on acclaimed series such as "Billions."

Gladstone's nomination is not only a personal success but marks a significant step forward in the recognition of Native American actors in Hollywood. With her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon" bringing to light a dark chapter of American history through the eyes of the real-life Mollie Burkhart, Gladstone stands poised to break barriers at the 96th Academy Awards, where the film has garnered 10 nominations, including Best Picture. According to The Seattle Times, the ceremony is slated for a March 10 airing, with the anticipation of industry insiders and movie fans alike at a fever pitch.