Lily Gladstone’s High School Yearbook Photo Goes Viral as She Nears Oscar Win for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming award season, one name that has been making waves is Lily Gladstone. The talented actress, who delivered a remarkable performance in Martin Scorsese’s film ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ has not only captured the attention of critics but also the hearts of her former classmates. A high school yearbook photo of Gladstone recently resurfaced, reminding everyone of a superlative that predicted her future success.
In the viral photo, a young Gladstone is seen alongside her classmate Josh Ryder, with the caption “Most Likely to Win an Oscar.” Little did they know that this seemingly playful prediction would come true two decades later. As Gladstone inches closer to fulfilling this superlative, Ryder, now a successful individual himself, had some heartfelt words to share about his former classmate.
Reflecting on their high school days, Ryder expressed his admiration for Gladstone’s achievements. “I don’t think I had the capacity necessarily to think, or the understanding of what it would take to put oneself in that position to be nominated for an Oscar, and Lily has done it,” he said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “And it is extraordinary that she did such high-caliber work and is getting recognized for it rightfully.”
The resurfacing of the yearbook photo has not only brought back memories but also reunited their former classmates. Ryder shared, “Everybody’s so excited about this.” The excitement surrounding Gladstone’s success has created a sense of unity among her peers, proving that their support for her remains unwavering.
For Ryder, if Gladstone were to win the Oscar, he believes it would be a storybook ending. “She’s – we’re not even 40 yet. If she stays in the game, she might be able to rack up, you know, a few [Oscars],” he added optimistically. It seems that Gladstone’s talent and potential have left a lasting impact on those who knew her from the beginning.
In a heartwarming gesture, Gladstone’s co-star Leonardo DiCaprio sent her the high school photo after her nomination was announced. This thoughtful act of remembrance highlights the bond they formed while working together on ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ Furthermore, Gladstone revealed that Ryder has been an enormous support during this award season. “He told me, ‘I don’t know if you know this, but all of this greatness in your life has brought our whole class back together,'” Gladstone shared. “They’re having an Oscars watch party. They already scheduled it to happen in our old high-school theater, so I’m happy that I didn’t disappoint there.”
Gladstone’s Oscar nomination holds significant meaning beyond her individual achievement. As a Native American actor, she has made history by becoming the first Indigenous North American to receive such recognition. In an interview with Deadline, she expressed her thoughts on this milestone, saying, “Why am I the first? Why did it have to take this long for me to be the first Indigenous North American? Most of the films that show up in these categories are shot on Indigenous land in North America, and it’s taken this long.”
As award season approaches, all eyes are on Lily Gladstone and her remarkable journey from a high school superlative to an Oscar nomination. Her talent, dedication, and groundbreaking achievement as a Native American actor have not only captivated audiences but also inspired her former classmates. The resurfacing of her yearbook photo serves as a reminder that dreams can come true, even when they seem like distant possibilities.