Yellowstone 1923 actress tearfully pays tribute to late co-star as she scoops major award
Aminah Nieves, star of 1923, delivered an emotional acceptance speech after being awarded the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 2025 IndieWire Honors in Hollywood.
The popular Yellowstone prequel delves into the backstory of Paramount's renowned ranching family a century prior to the events depicted in the epic modern Western.
In the series, Nieves portrays Teonna Rainwater, a young Apsáalooke woman subjected to an abusive American Indian boarding school operated by the Catholic Church.
Viewers have been captivated by Teonna's narrative, which sees her violently break free from the school and go on the run, only to be apprehended for murder in the second season.
After the dramatic series finale in April, Nieves graciously accepted her IndieWire award, becoming visibly emotional during her impactful speech, reports the Mirror US.
"I am extremely humbled and honoured to be recognised for my work at these early stages of my career," she expressed amidst enthusiastic applause from the audience.
"None of this would be possible without the love and support from the very people in this room."
She proceeded to express gratitude towards her parents for "nourishing her wild heart" and her "bandmates" for their "unwavering love, dedication and support".
Nieves then confessed that she was "nobody" until her manager, Jonathan Yue, discovered her and "took a chance".
The rising star concluded by expressing her appreciation to the cast and crew of the Yellowstone franchise, including its creator, Taylor Sheridan and Mo Brings Plenty.
After making a heartfelt appeal to "amplify stories like Teonna's" Nieves' speech turned more poignant as she commemorated her late co-star, Cole Brings Plenty.
The burgeoning actor and nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, aged 27, was tragically found dead in Kansas last April after his family had reported him missing.
She began: "To Coco, my brother, Cole Brings Plenty," followed by an exuberant "woo!" upon realising the emotional weight of her words was bringing tears.
Nieves continued, her voice heavy with emotion: "The very essence of you reverberated off the waters and the trees every single day on set," struggling to maintain composure.
"You carried us home the only way you knew how to, fully in love, in deep belly laughs."
She concluded with a wish: "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 acclaimed performance in the popular Yellowstone prequel, Nieves has since secured a role in a forthcoming thriller directed by none other than Kathryn Bigelow.
Expected to be released later this year, a synopsis reads: "Centered on White House staffers grappling with an impending missile strike on America, this gripping drama unfolds in real-time as tensions escalate."
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