Troy Kotsur and CODA Make History at the Latest Academy Awards
CODA star Troy Kotsur made history as the first Deaf man to win an Oscar for acting at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday. This was his first Oscar nomination and first win. Kotsur won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his stunning performance in the drama CODA, which also won Best Picture. CODA’s Oscar win was historic in that it was the first film from a streaming service to secure Hollywood’s highest honor.
Congratulations to @TroyKotsur, winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for #CODAfilm#Oscars pic.twitter.com/Tvug4kMppa
— Apple TV+ (@AppleTVPlus) March 28, 2022
This wasn’t Kotsur’s first time making history in 2022. In February, the 53-year-old actor became the first Deaf person to win an individual SAG Award at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards. Kotsur claimed the title of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Frank Rossi in CODA.
Prior to the actor’s recent slew of momentous honors and awards, the only other Deaf performer to receive Academy recognition was Marlee Matlin. Matlin won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1986 for her performance in Children of a Lesser God and was the first and only Deaf woman to obtain such a title.
When Kotsur’s Oscar win was announced, the entire crowd erupted into Deaf applause. Overcome with emotion, the CODA actor took a few moments to collect himself before beginning his heartfelt acceptance speech.
“I really want to thank all of the wonderful Deaf theater stages where I was allowed and given the opportunity to develop my craft as an actor,” he signed as the audience cheered.
After thanking CODA director Sien Hader and his family, Kotsur passionately pointed to his award. “I just wanted to say that this is dedicated to the Deaf community, the C.O.D.A. community, and the disabled community,” he exclaimed. “This is our moment.”
Troy Kotsur photographed by Mark Seliger for #VFOscars pic.twitter.com/sJqzUitcGU
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 28, 2022
The actor concluded his speech by looking up at the sky and acknowledging his late mother, father, and brother Mark. “Look at me now,” he signed with a smile. “I did it.”
The biggest congratulations to Kotsur and CODA for their historic Oscar wins this year. Media representation for the Deaf community has often been few and far between, so moments like this matter more than most could ever imagine.
