For the 37-year-old actor, it made for a surreal experience.
I still have and wear it.
They called itLily Gladstone Day.
When I walked in, I was like, Oh, hey, whats up, buddy?
Below, the actor reflects on middle school, Keoughs trickster spirit, and unwinding after awards season.
What drew you toUnder the Bridge?
I had been sent the description, but I was shootingFancy Danceso my time was limited.
I wasnt sure it was the right thing for me, especially coming offKillers of the Flower Moon.
I was hesitant to do another quote-unquote true crime.
What makesUnder the Bridgedifferent from other true-crime dramas?
A true story is your access point for having these really important conversations.
It added a layer of nuance that was necessary.
How did you start researching Reenas case?
It was kind of an epidemic, and had incredibly long lasting impacts.
The impact of Reenas case reminded me ofMatthew Shepardsin the States.
[It gave me] insight into what made this crime so particularly heartbreaking.
You were close in age to Reena and the girls in the late 90s.
How did it feel going back to that time?
I was starting a new school, having just moved from a reservation and coming into suburban Seattle.
As the only Native kid, I definitely felt marginalized.
There was almost a prevent gang violence thing, which was very puzzling to me.
It makes sense [in hindsight, having been] really close to Victoria, where this happened.
Then a couple years later, with Columbine, I remember it starting all over again.
Even back then, I remember thinkingThat’s not what’s causing this.
How did you and Riley Keough work together to establish your characters chemistry?
You have to credit [the casting department].
Theyre the people who just know we’re going to work together.
So Riley and I really didn’t have to do much, except spend time with each other.
Tell me about a favorite on-set memory you have with Riley.
She does it to get a rise out of people.
So that was pretty funny, exactly the right kind of annoying.
Id also love to hear about what your lifes been like since the Oscars.
How did you spend the week immediately after awards season?
My best friend from childhood is their tribal lawyer.
We grew up in Montana together.
The interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
