An offer Brando can refuse: Oscar

March 27, 1973: “The Godfather” was named best picture at the 45th Academy Awards ceremony. Marlon Brando won as best actor for the title role, but stayed away, sending “Sacheen Littlefeather” (actress Maria Cruz dressed in Native American clothing), who said: “Marlon Brando regretfully cannot accept this award because of the treatment of American Indians in the motion picture industry, on TV, in the movie reruns and the recent happenings at Wounded Knee.” Boos and cheers cascaded down from the crowd.