CODA star Troy Kotsur has made history by becoming the first deaf man to win an Oscar.
During Sunday night’s 94th annual Academy Awards, the 53-year-old Arizona native actor took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 2021’s Child of Deaf Adults (CODA).
Competing for the prestigious award in the Best Supporting Actor scene were also the likes of Kodi Smitt-McPhee from The Power Of The Dog, Jesse Plemons from The Power Of The Dog, J.K Simmons from Being The Ricardos, and Ciaran Hinds who appeared in Belfast.
Kotsur’s Oscar comes 35 years after his co-star, Marlee Matlin, made history by becoming the first deaf woman to win an Oscar.
Addressing the audience with his acceptance speech, the veteran actor became visibly emotional as he dedicated the award to his father and the deaf community.
“This is amazing to be here on this journey. I cannot believe I’m here. Thank you so much to all the members of the academy for recognizing my work. It’s really amazing that our film Coda Has reached out worldwide,” he began.
After telling an anecdote about his visit to the White House and about his plans to teach President Biden some “dirty” sign language, Kotsur added:
“My dad, he was the best signer in our family. But he was in a car accident and he became paralyzed from the neck down. And he no longer was able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you I’ll always love you. You are my hero.”
Concluding his emotional speech, Kotsur said his award goes out to everyone in the deaf and disabled community.
“I just wanted to say that this is dedicated to the deaf community, the CODA Community and the disabled community. This is our moment. To my mom, my dad, and my brother mark. They’re not here today, but look at me now, I did it. I love you. Thank you,” he expressed.
Congratulations!