Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of celebrity activism in modern society, Marlon Brando’s refusal of the Oscars—an act that trailblazed how celebrity activism was conducted in the film industry—is an exemplary case study for exploring the mechanics of celebrity activism and the implications of such rhetorical acts. A Burkeian analysis of Brando’s rhetorical act will help discern which elements contributed to the act’s profound impact on celebrity culture and media activism. Drawing on Burke’s communication theories and available scholarship on celebrity activism, I will demonstrate how Brando’s celebrity status supercharged the efficacy of his rhetorical act and gave him an extensive degree of influence over his audience’s understanding of the world.
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Diana Isabel Martínez
Recommended Citation
Ammerman, Jack
(2026)
"Act and Agent: A Burkeian Analysis of Marlon Brando’s Refusal of the Academy Awards,"
Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research: Vol. 14, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/pjcr/vol14/iss1/6
