Lily Gladstone: Unveiling the Extraordinary Talent Behind the Sensational ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Breakout Role

Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is not Lily Gladstone’s first acting role — but it’s the one that will make her a household name.

The actress's acting career began with her debut in the film Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian in 2012. Now, over ten years later, she is taking on the role of Mollie Burkhart in Killers of the Flower Moon, which is based on David Grann's nonfiction book of the same name from 2017. Already, she is receiving significant acclaim for her performance.

According to Scorsese's interview with Vulture in August 2023, Gladstone demonstrated a keen awareness of her presence in front of the camera and a unique ability to embrace simplicity. This rare quality captivates viewers, making it difficult to look away from her.

Gladstone proves to be a formidable presence in the movie, standing alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays her husband.

According to the official logline of Apple TV+, "In the 1920s, when oil is discovered beneath the lands of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, the Osage people face a series of brutal murders. It is only when the FBI intervenes that the mystery begins to unravel."

Gladstone jestingly mentioned that she cannot help but consider the impact a movie like this will have on her career, given its high level of recognition.

During the Kering Women in Motion Talks at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, she expressed her gratitude for being able to partake in all of this and remarked that she had expected to be more nervous. She also acknowledged the attention the film may bring and emphasized that it should be shared rather than greedily held onto or bragged about.

Scroll down for everything you need to know about Gladstone, who is both eager for greater recognition and enthusiastic about showcasing Martin Scorsese's creation and the tale of Osage resilience and endurance.

1. Gladstone Has a College Degree

She graduated from the University of Montana in 2008 with a BFA in acting and directing along with a minor in Native American Studies.

2. Gladstone Has a Native American Background

Gladstone resided on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana until the age of 11. Her father has ancestral ties to both the Nez Perce and Blackfeet tribes.

"I owe much to my community," she conveyed to The Guardian in February 2017. "They have wholeheartedly encouraged my aspirations of becoming an actor and storyteller."

3. Gladstone Has an Impressive Resume

Other than her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon," Gladstone has garnered acclaim for her performances in various other projects. She has been recognized for her work in Showtime's "Billions," HBO's "Room 104," the films "Certain Women," "Walking Out," and "First Cow," as well as FX's "Reservation Dogs," among others.

4. Gladstone Collaborated With the Osage Nation for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

Gladstone collaborated extensively with Scorsese on specific aspects of the film, particularly when she noticed similarities between their character and her own life experiences.

"I realized early on that I wasn't simply going to be handed the opportunity to collaborate. I was expected to contribute significantly," Gladstone recounted in her conversation with Vulture. "That created numerous discussions and connections between Marty and me. True equity means more than just granting access; it means pulling out a chair for someone at the table."

5. Gladstone Is an Award-Winning Actress

Throughout her career, she has received numerous award nominations, including an Independent Spirit Award. Notably, she emerged victorious at the San Diego Film Critics Society and Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, securing her place among other accolades.