Calay News
Amid the buzz of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, one project that captured attention was “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a film directed by Martin Scorsese, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Among the standout cast members is Lily Gladstone, who plays the role of Mollie Burkhart, a real-life Osage woman, in the film set in 1920s Oklahoma. As the movie garners anticipation ahead of its theatrical release on October 20, here’s a glimpse into the rising star, Lily Gladstone.
Lily, who uses the she/they pronouns, hails from the Blackfeet Nation reservation in Browning, Montana. Growing up in a community marked by love, poverty, violence, and family unity, Lily’s early experiences shaped her perspective on life. They pursued their passion for acting, graduating from the University of Montana’s honors college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and a minor in Native American Studies.
Lily’s acting journey began in 2013 with “Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian” and continued with notable roles in projects like “Certain Women” alongside Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern. However, it’s their portrayal in “Killers of the Flower Moon” that has earned critical acclaim. Scorsese, impressed by Lily’s authenticity, cast her in the film, emphasizing the importance of representing Indigenous characters genuinely.
Beyond acting, Lily is a passionate advocate for Native American representation. They collaborate with organizations like Red Eagle Soaring, a Native American youth theater program, and emphasize the significance of Indigenous culture on the global stage. With their powerful performances and dedication to authentic representation, Lily Gladstone’s star is undoubtedly on the rise.
