Aminah Nieves, who starred in the smash hit Yellowstone prequel series 1923, gave a tearful speech after winning a major award.
Aminah Nieves, star of the critically lauded 1923 series, was visibly moved as she delivered an emotional acceptance speech upon receiving the coveted Breakthrough Performance Award at the esteemed 2025 IndieWire Honors in Hollywood. The riveting Yellowstone prequel explores the Dutton family’s history, showcasing their ranching legacy a century prior to the dramatic saga presented in the contemporary Western hit.
In her acclaimed role, Nieves portrays Teonna Rainwater, an Apsáalooke woman trapped within the confines of a brutal American Indian boarding school administered by the Catholic Church. Audiences have been held captive by Teonna’s harrowing journey, witnessing her desperate and violent escape from the institution, leading to her arrest for murder in the second season.
At the emotionally charged conclusion of the breathtaking finale in April, Nieves received her IndieWire accolade with immense grace, her heartfelt expression of gratitude bringing tears to her eyes during the poignant oration, reports the Mirror US.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be recognised for my work at these early stages of my career,” Nieves passionately conveyed amidst a wave of applause from those gathered.
“None of this would be possible without the love and support from the very people in this room.”
Profuse thanks were also extended to her parents for fostering her untamed spirit and to her “bandmates” for their steadfast love, commitment, and assistance.
Candidly, Nieves acknowledged that before her talent was spotted and given an opportunity by her manager, Jonathan Yue, she considered herself a “nobody”. She culminated her speech by expressing sincere appreciation towards the cast and crew of the Yellowstone franchise, including its illustrious creator, Taylor Sheridan, as well as actor Mo Brings Plenty.
After a heartfelt appeal to “amplify stories like Teonna’s”, Nieves’ speech took an emotional turn as she honoured her late co-star, Cole Brings Plenty. The young actor and nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, aged 27, was tragically found deceased in Kansas in April the previous year after his family had reported him missing.
“To Coco, my brother, Cole Brings Plenty,” she started, before letting out a “woo!” as she realised she was becoming emotional.
“The very essence of you reverberated off the waters and the trees every single day on set,” she continued, her voice choked with emotion.
“You carried us home the only way you knew how to, fully in love, in deep belly laughs.
“Until I see you again, let Coco’s story be a reminder to all of the continued injustices throughout Indian country and across the globe.”
Following her impressive performance in the popular Yellowstone prequel, Nieves has since been cast in an upcoming untitled thriller from renowned director Kathryn Bigelow. Scheduled for release later this year, a synopsis states: “Centered on White House staffers grappling with an impending missile strike on America, this gripping drama unfolds in real-time as tensions escalate.”
1923 is available to stream on Paramount+.
