Wesley "Wes" Studi, an American actor of the Cherokee Nation, is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in cinema for his portrayal of Native American characters. His career took off in the 1990s with memorable roles, including the Pawnee warrior in *Dances with Wolves* (1990), the vengeful Magua in *The Last of the Mohicans* (1992), and the Apache leader in *Geronimo* (1993). Known for his intense screen presence and his use of native languages in his roles, he has continued to work in notable productions such as *Avatar* (2009), *Hostiles* (2017), and the television series *Reservation Dogs*. His work has been instrumental in promoting a more authentic and complex portrayal of Indigenous peoples on screen, moving beyond long-standing stereotypes. For his extraordinary contribution to cinema, in 2019 he received an Honorary Academy Award, becoming the first Native American actor to receive this prestigious honor.