10 Top Actors Who Turned Down Prestigious Awards

Marlon Brando is quite possibly the pinnacle of a Hollywood star. But he was known for being notoriously difficult on set and during the 1960s his career began to decline. However once he accepted the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather his career was rejuvenated.

Brando won the Oscar for best actor, but the audience became confused when instead of The Godfather star a young Native American actor named Mary Louise Cruz - also known as Sacheen Littlefeather - took to the stage and declined the award on behalf of him. She went on to discuss how he was rejecting the award in support of the American Indian Movement and openly referenced the ongoing U.S military siege of the South Dakota town named Wounded Knee.

Sacheen Littlefeather was met with a mixed response of applause and harsh boos. Despite Brando being the one to reject the award it seemed that this actor received a large brunt of the blame. Littlefeather even claimed to have been blacklisted by Hollywood afterward.

Brando was outspoken about his political beliefs but this still came as a surprise to many. Ultimately it is admirable to know that even top actors don't always recognise awards as the most important thing to them.

The overly theatrical manner in which he declined the award may have been too much, but the reason behind it was at least a good cause.