Within the film industry, and particularly at the Academy Awards,
meaningful progress for Native filmmakers began in 2000 when the first Native filmmaker was short-listed for an Academy Award. This milestone marked a crucial step in the long-overdue recognition of Native voices telling their own stories on the world’s biggest stage. Within the film industry, and particularly at the Academy Awards, meaningful progress for Native filmmakers began in 2000 when the first Native filmmaker was short-listed for an Academy Award. This milestone marked a crucial step in the long-overdue recognition of Native voices telling their own stories on the world’s biggest stage.

There have only been 3 Native filmmakers, that we know of, that have made the Oscars short-list in its 98 year history as of 2025! American Holocaust: When Its All Over I’ll Still Be Indian 2000 for Best Doc Short, director Joanelle Romero, Apache. Angakusajaujuq: The Shaman’s Apprentice 2021 for Best Animated Short Film, director Zacharias Kunuk, Inuk Nation. Sugarcane 2025 for Best Documentary Feature, director Julian Brave NoiseCat, Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation.