When Marlon Brando won Best Actor for The Godfather in 1973, he sent 26-year-old Apache activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. She was told she had 60 seconds. She declined the Oscar on Brando's behalf, citing Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans and the ongoing standoff at Wounded Knee. The audience booed and applauded in equal measure. Backstage, John Wayne reportedly had to be physically restrained by six security guards from storming the stage. The Academy issued a formal apology 49 years later.