CODA Actor Troy Kotsur Makes History at Latest SAG Awards
CODA star Troy Kotsur became the first deaf person to win an individual SAG Award at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday.
The 53-year-old actor was recognized for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, beating out Hollywood big shots like Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar), Bradley Cooper (Licorice Pizza), Jared Leto (House of Gucci), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog).
During his acceptance speech, signed in ASL and translated by an interpreter, Kotsur talked about everything from family to finally fitting in.
Congratulations to #TroyKotsur for taking home the Actor® #sagawards pic.twitter.com/O8z6uYGpcT
— SAG Awards® (@SAGawards) February 28, 2022
“Wow. Thank you so much to all the members of SAG. I am so proud to be a member. I’ve been a member since 2001,” the actor stated, “Now I feel like I’m finally a part of the family.”
Kotsur revealed that back in the day, he was a “starving actor” who would sleep in his car and couch surf constantly. He couldn’t be more grateful to the Screen Actors Guild for protecting artists like him. After thanking the CODA producers, director, cast, and Apple TV+, he turned to his wife and expressed his infinite gratitude to her.
“Finally, my wife. She is still here with me today. She has been with me through all these years of struggle,” he signed, “Thank you so much for being my backbone; thank you for supporting me. I love you.”
To conclude his heartfelt speech, the actor poked fun at his daughter Kyra, reminding her that his award is not for her to hang her jewelry on.
Kotsur’s SAG Award win isn’t the first time he’s made history. In fact, the history he made was quite recent. On February 8, Kotsur became the first deaf man to receive an Oscar nomination. The only other deaf performer ever nominated was Marlee Matlin — who happens to be Kotsur’s CODA costar — for her role in Children of a Lesser God in 1986.
I want Troy Kotsur to win the Oscar SO bad! https://t.co/bitauXXr4h
— Austin Burke (@theBurk3nator) February 28, 2022
“Being nominated and receiving awards, it becomes historical,” he stated to The Hollywood Reporter in January. “Many generations can look back and see this as a standout moment with CODA receiving nominations and awards.”
We’re incredibly lucky to bear witness to history in the making. And with the 94th Academy Awards right around the corner, we hope to see Kotsur bring home the gold.
