“Killers of the Flower Moon” was shut out Sunday at an “Oppenheimer”-dominated 96th Academy Awards, but the performance of an Oscar-nominated song salvaged a shining moment for the shot-in-Oklahoma film and Osage culture.
“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon” was nominated in the category of best original song. The song was performed in the second hour of the Academy Awards ceremony by composer Scott George and the Osage Tribal Singers, which means Osage culture was shared with a global audience.
Osage dancers also participated as the song was being performed. The performance of “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” received a standing ovation from the Dolby Theatre audience and, during the ovation, the camera panned to “Killers of the Flower Moon” actor Lily Gladstone and director Martin Scorsese.
"When the curtain opened and the sound of that drum and singers started, I stood up from my seat and began dancing and singing with my cousin, Talee Redcorn, and we were intermittently yelling war cries during the song with our fellow seat mates, actors Tatanka Means and William Belleau," Oklahoman and "Killers of the Flower Moon" cast member Yancey Red Corn said. "It felt like a Wahzhazhe dream!"
People are also reading…
After the song finished, many on social media shared how the performance was meaningful for them. Some said the song gave them chills or goosebumps.
"One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!" Native American Tulsa-based attorney Brett Chapman posted on X, formerly Twitter. "So great for Native American representation."
Michael Li, a senior counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice’s Democracy Program, tweeted this: “There is a line in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ where Robert De Niro’s character says ‘I love the Native people but they are going to soon disappear.’ Quite amazing to see Osage singers on stage tonight at the #Oscars performing ‘Wahzhazhe.’”
George, who has said the song was meant to celebrate the survival of the Osage, was the first Native American to be nominated in the best original song category. Two songs from “Barbie” were nominated for best original song, and the winner was one of them — “What Was I Made For?” from Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” entered the ceremony with 10 nominations. The only films to earn more were “Oppenheimer” (13) and “Poor Things” (11). “Oppenheimer” won seven Oscars, including best picture. “Poor Things” won four.
Gladstone was considered a leading candidate for best actress, but the winner was Emma Stone for “Poor Things.” Gladstone and Stone had split best actress honors in awards shows leading up to the Oscars.
Past Oscar winners introduced each of the best actress nominees before the envelope was opened. In introducing Gladstone, Jennifer Lawrence said, “Lily, you are the soul of ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ Every second of your performance as Mollie Burkhart is imbued with the plight, resilience and spirit of the Osage people. Your advocacy off set is a powerful display of dedication and leadership, illuminating and helping us reconcile one of the darkest parts of our country’s history.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” was based on David Grann’s bestselling book of the same name about serial murders of the oil-wealthy Osage in the early days of Oklahoma.
De Niro was nominated for best supporting actor for his work in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The award went to Robert Downey Jr. of “Oppenheimer.”
Scorsese earned his 10th best director nomination for helming “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Christopher Nolan won for “Oppenheimer.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” was nominated for best production design and best costume design, but “Poor Things” won in both categories, in addition to best makeup and hairstyling.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” earned nominations for best film editing, best cinematography and best score, but those awards became part of the “Oppenheimer” haul. The late Robbie Robertson, who created the “Killers of the Flower Moon” score, was among individuals acknowledged during the in memoriam portion of the Oscars.
Among other Oscar winners: Cillian Murphy of “Oppenheimer” won best actor. Da’Vine Joy Randolph won best supporting actress for her work in “The Holdovers.”
“Anatomy of a Fall” won for best original screenplay. “American Fiction” won for best adapted screenplay.
“20 Days in Mariupol” won best documentary feature. “The Last Repair Shop” won best documentary short.
“The Zone of Interest” won best international film. “The Boy and the Heron” won best animated feature. “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” won best animated short. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” won best live action short.
“Godzilla Minus One” won for visual effects. “The Zone of Interest” won for best sound.
Killers of the Flower Moon: See all our coverage, from filming in Oklahoma to reaction to the movie
Oklahoma’s dark history went under an international light as the much-anticipated, star-studded, Martin Scorsese-directed “Killers of the Flower Moon” released in late 2023.
Set in 1920s Oklahoma, “Killers of the Flower Moon” depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation. The string of brutal crimes came to be known as the Reign of Terror.
The movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, is based on David Grann’s best-selling book of the same name.
On Oct. 1, 2023, the Tulsa World began a series of stories on the history and the movie leading up to its release.
Here is all the content created by the Tulsa World newsroom. Bookmark this link as we’ll post any new “Killers of the Flower Moon” stories here.
After watching the Oscar-nominated film, many asked: Where are those millions of dollars in payments going now? About one-fourth of mineral headrights owners have no Osage Nation ties.
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” is among the nominees for best original song.
Gladstone won in the category of outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role.
In addition to a best picture nomination and a best director nomination for Martin Scorsese, two of the film's three primary cast members were nominated.
"My reaction to making the Oscars shortlist is one of disbelief," Scott George said while answering questions about the song and its origins.
Chase Parker is among Oklahomans in the Martin Scorsese film.
Tulsa's Bill Hader earned a nomination for his work in "Barry."
Lily Gladstone became the first Native American actress to win a Golden Globe Award. She was honored for her work in the shot-in-Oklahoma film "Killers of the Flower Moon."
Frédéric Yonnet, a French-born, Washington, D.C.-based harmonicist, contributed to the music of "Killers of the Flower Moon" and talked about Martin Scorsese's use of music in films.
Representatives from "Killers of the Flower Moon" and the upcoming Marvel Studios series "Echo" worked closely with Oklahoma tribes to achieve authenticity, yet some criticism surfaced after "Flower Moon's" release.
"As an Osage, my great-grandfather, Henry Roan, is murdered in this film. As a former Chief of the Osage Nation, I had to deal with many unresolved issues."
What might occur is a desire to understand and make sense of what this history and movie mean to us as a society, says former Osage Nation Chief Jim Gray.
Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese took part in a virtual press event Wednesday for "Killers of the Flower Moon."
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department is encouraging responsible, respectful tourism and travel to the region where "Killers of the Flower Moon" was filmed.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" experiences ranged from star encounters to happy moments to the realization that a tragic story was being told.
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese said “Killers of the Flower Moon” could only be shot in Oklahoma. Here are locations, some tied to history, where he filmed.
“When I got there, all I can tell you is those prairies are quite something, and they open your mind and your heart,” Scorsese said ahead of the "Killers of the Flower Moon" movie release.
A dedicated social reformer who became Oklahoma's first female elected official, Kate Barnard was one of the first to investigate what was happening in Osage County.
Detailing the way outsiders preyed on the Osage Nation in the 1920s, the sprawling "Killers of the Flower Moon" wrings out moments that will remind you of other great films – a little “Godfather” here, a little “Giant” there and a whole lot of Scorsese.
"Powerful" and "emotional" were words used to describe Martin Scorsese's shot-in-Oklahoma film about the Osage Reign of Terror.
Moviegoers from Oklahoma will spot familiar locations, including downtown Tulsa, which pops up late in the film (though it's not supposed to be Tulsa).
A piece of family lore Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Geoffrey Standing Bear tells is how his relative came to employ gangsters during the Reign of Terror.
In real life the final conviction of W.K. Hale, the "Killers of the Flower Moon" archvillain portrayed by Robert De Niro, involved two federal grand juries, three federal trials in three different venues, a U.S. Supreme Court intervention, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, several related state trials and a pair of stolen cowboy boots.
Here's a who's who of those involved in the century-old events and the movie about them.
Grann said he believes the film is extremely faithful to the spirit of his book.
In this season we introduce the story of the Osage Reign of Terror and its connection to the upcoming Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon."
While 24 was the estimated toll proposed by federal investigators, Osage people believe it's much higher.
Cara Jade Myers plays Anna Brown in Martin Scorsese's shot-in-Oklahoma film. She took part in a phone interview with the Tulsa World prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The upcoming film "Killers of the Flower Moon" gives the Osage language a new, international spotlight.
The shot-in-Oklahoma film is described as an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal.
The FBI's 3,000-page Osage Indian Murders file connect players in the Osage Reign of Terror to another episode of unchecked racial violence in the same era, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
“There is no question," a federal agent explained, "but what Osage County, Oklahoma, has more criminals in it than perhaps any other county in the state or any state in the Union.”
The Osage people weren't looking for wealth on the 1.47 million acres they bought from the Cherokee Nation in 1872. Mostly they just wanted to be left alone.
It's time to tell another deadly Oklahoma story from the 1920s that was written about even less and disregarded even more, writes Tulsa World Editor Jason Collington.
Although many Osages had multiple friends and relatives who were killed over oil revenue, one survivor in particular has drawn additional attention due to “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
An Osage Nation wardrobe consultant for "Killers of the Flower Moon" says taking part in the movie has been a life-changing experience.
1872: The Osage tribe buys 1.47 million acres from the Cherokee Nation in what is now Osage County.
September 2023 photos: Osage Nation members attend 'Killers of the Flower Moon' premiere in New York
Representatives of the Osage Nation were invited to attend a New York premiere of the Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon."
Osage Nation Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear and other Osage tribal members walked the red carpet as premiere guests.
All Jaime Misenheimer had planned to do on the set of the film “Killers of the Flower Moon” was to help lay some tracks, and then make some tracks.
Circle Cinema will schedule as many showtimes as possible to meet high demand. Advance screenings and special events centered around the film are being planned.
Oklahoma is known for its oil and gas industries, but another industry is paving the way to provide Oklahomans with a renewable resource: film.
Following its global theatrical run, the film — starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone, and based on the best-selling book by David Grann — will debut on Apple TV+.
Martin Scorsese and members of the cast attended the screening at AMC Southroads 20 and a reception at Osage Casino. "This will really change our future," one viewer said.
Martin Scorsese and actors from the shot-in-Oklahoma film attended a special screening and a reception.
The shot-in-Oklahoma movie will be released to theaters and on Apple TV in October.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro met with the Osage News for an exclusive interview following the world premiere of the shot-in-Oklahoma film.
A Norman resident, Yancey Red Corn plays a former Osage chief in "Killers of the Flower Moon," and he traveled to Cannes Film Festival for the movie's premiere.
A spokeswoman for the Osage Nation said there would be an “Osage viewing in July. Additional details will be shared at a later date.”
A nine-minute standing ovation followed the world premiere of the shot-in-Oklahoma film “Killers of the Flower Moon” at Cannes Film Festival.
John Erling conducts interviews for the Voices of Oklahoma oral history project. A new interview with Geoffrey Standing Bear, principal chief of the Osage Nation, was released.
The shot-in-Oklahoma film will debut May 20 at Cannes Film Festival.
"Killers of the Flower Moon," starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, will premiere May 20 at Cannes Film Festival.
Variety asked Lily Gladstone about "Killers of the Flower Moon" while she was appearing at Sundance Film Festival with "Fancy Dance."
Here are some of those film and music projects to watch for in the coming months:
The actor was in Oklahoma last year to film scenes for a Martin Scorsese film starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. He is among guests at Fan Expo Dallas, a pop culture convention in Dallas.
Speaking at the Tulsa Press Club Friday, Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said he was advised that additional filming for “Killers of the Flower Moon” is tentatively slated for mid-May.
Jim Gray, a former chief and onetime publisher of the Native American Times, is the great-grandson of one of the most well-known victims of the 1920s "Osage Reign of Terror."
"Have you seen Leo yet?" That was overheard when people gathered in Pawhuska to catch a glimpse of a Martine Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Spoiler alert: Leo was seen. This story is free to read.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" brought Academy Award winners to Oklahoma for the making of a Martin Scorsese film in 2021. That's just part of what made this year an epic one for TV and movie projects connected to Oklahoma.
Multiple sources indicate that shooting in Oklahoma has wrapped on Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a motion picture project th…
Principal photography on the film began in April.
Pat Healy stars in "We Need to Do Something" and will take part in a post-film Q&A session Saturday, Sept. 4.
The Outsiders House Museum, located at 731 N. Saint Louis Ave., is dedicated to the shot-in-Tulsa 1983 film "The Outsiders" and the book that inspired the movie.
Check out photos of the filming in downtown Tulsa on Sunday for Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon."
Director Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons could all be seen Sunday for filming at Tulsa’s old Federal Building.
See any familiar faces? Here are the latest images of actors, extras and even the spectators who gathered to watch the filming of "Killers of …
“We still have our language; we still have our culture; we are still alive and well and have been able to overcome those things that happened in the ‘20s. It’s good for people to know on this worldwide platform that our language and our tribe are alive, and we’re still vibrant,” said Vann Bighorse, Osage Language Department director.
Joe and Carol Conner, publisher and editor of the Fairfax Chief newspaper, are championing a cause to remind others that events in "Killers of the Flower Moon" occurred in Fairfax. Pawhuska is doubling for Fairfax in Martin Scorsese's film adaptation of the David Grann best-seller.
"Have you seen Leo yet?" That was overheard Monday when people gathered in Pawhuska to catch a glimpse of a Martine Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Spoiler alert: Leo was seen.
Tulsa World's Jimmie Tramel gives an update on the Oklahoma-shot movie. Photos by Tulsa World's Mike Simons
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is being filmed in Oklahoma. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro were spotted amid the activity in Fairfax on Monday.
David Grann's book "Killers of the Flower Moon" attracted visitors to Pawhuska. The stream of visitors is expected to continue with the making of a Martin Scorsese film. Meanwhile, at least one Pawhuska resident can watch the action from his front porch.
Filming will occur from spring to late summer, according to a news release.
Scorsese, DiCaprio meet with Osage cultural leaders prior to filming of 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons and Lily Gladstone will be in the cast of the shot-in-Oklahoma movie.
Why would a 15-year Los Angeles resident relocate to Oklahoma City? Richard Janes was among panelists during a recent discussion about Oklahoma being a new "it state" for filmmaking.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is expected to begin shooting in 2021. An OETA documentary series is taking a look at events that will be depicted in the film.
Extras are needed for the Martin Scorsese film, which will be shot in Oklahoma.
"Killers of the Flower Moon," a star-studded film adaptation of the bestselling book based in Oklahoma, will begin filming in the Pawhuska area in 2021, according to a published report by the official news outlet of the Osage Nation.
According to a new interview with a French publication, Scorsese talked of "Killers of the Flower Moon" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and "Native American actors."
Related: What we know so far about the 'Killers of the Flower Moon' movie set in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Film and Music Office officially confirmed on Wednesday that “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to film in Oklahoma this year — and that this major motion picture will have a major impact on the state economy.
Evidence of the Pawhuska-area shoot, in the form of pre-production activities, will become more apparent starting next week, as crew members for the Martin Scorsese-directed, Leonardo DiCaprio-starring movie begin turning up for a variety of jobs.
Martin Scorsese, while location scouting, posts photos from Osage County
Scorsese's production team comes to Pawhuska to scout 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
Now the film is looking to fill crew positions from Osage County residents who have experience in a variety of jobs, according to a press release issued by the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture.
Members of the Osage Nation from the Grayhorse, Hominy and Pawhuska districts are invited for a first wave of casting for the feature film being directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro.
It turns out Scorsese visited a couple of more places in Osage County, and he posted photos to social media site Instagram that show him looking over possible filming spots.
On Wednesday, Paramount Pictures announced at a European film expo that it had reached a deal to finance and distribute the movie.
Osage Nation lobbying to get Scorsese and DiCaprio's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' filmed in Oklahoma
Where will the movie be filmed next year? Here is what people connected to the project are saying.
Local events will encourage discussion and give context to the book 'Killers of the Flower Moon.'
Tulsa attorney Mike McBride reviewed best-selling author David Grann’s book “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which chronicles murders of members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s.
The oil boom that made the tribe one of the wealthiest in the world spawned a series of vicious murders, some of which remain unsolved.
In 1921, a boy hunting squirrels near Fairfax, Oklahoma, found the body of Anna Brown. She had been shot in the back of the head. At about the…
The Tulsa World is where your story lives
The Tulsa World newsroom is committed to covering this community with curiosity, tenacity and depth. Our passion for telling the story of Tuls…