In the vast realm of American cinema, Lily Gladstone stands as a beacon of authenticity, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of film and television. Born on August 2, 1986, in Kalispell, Montana, Gladstone is an American actress whose career trajectory reflects a commitment to her craft, cultural pride, and a passion for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Lily Gladstone's roots are deeply embedded in her upbringing on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana. Her heritage encompasses Piegan Blackfeet (Siksikaitsitapi), Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), and European ancestry, reflecting the rich tapestry of Native American culture. Raised by a Blackfeet and Nez Perce father and a white mother, Gladstone's diverse background adds layers to her identity.
Her journey into acting was sparked by an unexpected source – an Ewok. At the tender age of five, after watching 'Return of the Jedi,' Gladstone developed a desire to portray one of the iconic creatures. This early inclination foreshadowed a career that would see her embody a diverse array of characters on the big and small screens.
Gladstone's first brush with acting came when the Missoula Children's Theatre visited her hometown of East Glacier, Montana. Cast as an evil step-sister in 'Cinderella,' she discovered the transformative power of performance. The family's move to the Seattle area during her middle school years brought Gladstone closer to her grandmother and led her to enroll in Stone Soup Theatre, a non-profit educational theatre company for Seattle youth.
Graduating from Mountlake Terrace High School in 2004, Gladstone continued her educational journey at the University of Montana. In 2008, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting/Directing, with a minor in Native American Studies. Her time at the university exposed her to Theatre of the Oppressed, and she honed her acting skills through various productions, including 'Riders to the Sea,' 'Richard III,' 'Miss Julie,' and 'Coyote on a Fence.'
Post-graduation, Gladstone's commitment to her native community extended beyond the stage. She taught acting classes and workshops, focusing on an image theatre acting method she called a 'sculpture garden' for violence prevention, sponsored by the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center. In 2010, she performed in 'The Frybread Queen,' a co-production by Native Voices at the Autry, the UM School of Theatre and Dance, and The Montana Repertory Theatre.
Lily Gladstone's journey in the world of cinema commenced with her film debut in 'Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian' in 2012. Subsequent roles in 'Winter in the Blood' (2013) and 'Buster's Mal Heart' (2016) laid the foundation for what would become a breakout moment in her career.
The turning point arrived with her portrayal of Jamie, a rancher, in Kelly Reichardt's critically acclaimed film 'Certain Women' (2016). This role earned Gladstone the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. Nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor further solidified her status as a rising talent in the industry.
Gladstone continued to shine in various theatrical productions, including her role as Kate Keller in the 2014 Montana Repertory Theatre's national touring production of 'The Miracle Worker.' In 2017, she joined the Oregon Shakespeare Festival acting company and later starred in the Yale Repertory Theatre production of Mary Kathryn Nagle's 'Manahatta' in 2020.
The actress ventured into the educational realm in 2017 by hosting a series on the YouTube channel Crash Course, offering insights into film production. Her dedication to both her craft and the sharing of knowledge showcases a multifaceted approach to her artistic pursuits.
In 2022, Gladstone starred in the film 'The Unknown Country,' directed by Morrisa Maltz, earning her the Gotham Independent Film Award for Outstanding Lead Performance. However, it was her role as Mollie Kyle in Martin Scorsese's feature film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (2023) that garnered widespread acclaim.
Her performance in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' not only marked a highlight of the film but also made history. Lily Gladstone became the first Indigenous person to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. The accolades continued with critical acclaim and recognition for her portrayal of Mollie Kyle, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the film industry.
Lily Gladstone, true to her commitment to authenticity, goes by both she and they pronouns. In a reflection of her Native heritage, she explains, 'In most Native languages, most Indigenous languages, Blackfeet included, there are no gendered pronouns. There is no he/she, there's only they... my pronoun use is partly a way of decolonizing gender for myself.'
Gladstone's filmography is a testament to her versatility as an actress, featuring a range of characters that showcase her ability to breathe life into diverse narratives. From 'Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian' to 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' each role adds another layer to the richness of her artistic contributions.
In the television realm, Gladstone has made notable appearances in series such as HBO's 'Room 104,' Showtime's 'Billions,' and FX's 'Reservation Dogs,' showcasing her ability to navigate different genres and mediums.
As of now, Lily Gladstone's journey continues, marked by a commitment to authenticity, a celebration of her Native heritage, and a dedication to storytelling that transcends boundaries. With each project, she adds to the tapestry of American cinema, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with audiences and inspires aspiring actors to embrace their true selves in the pursuit of their artistic passions.