Troy Kotsur, “CODA” wins 3 Oscars

Troy Kotsur and “CODA” won three Oscars on Sunday night: best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay, and best picture.

Kotsur made history as only the second deaf actor to win the golden statue, and the first deaf male to do so, 35 years after Marlee Matlin and fellow “CODA” costar won the Oscar for best actress.

Kotsur said in his acceptance speech that it’s been an amazing journey. He thanked deaf theaters (such as Deaf West Theatre) for giving him a stage to perform and to grow his acting talent. He honored his late father, who he said was the “best signer” but became paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident, which took away his ability to sign. Kotsur said he was his hero and that he would always love him. Kotsur then pointed to the Oscar statue and said it is dedicated to the deaf community, the Coda community, and the disabled community.

“Audible” was recognized as a nominee for best short documentary but did not win the Oscar. The star of the documentary, Amaree Mckenstry, attended the awards ceremony and was seen on the red carpet with executive producer Nyle DiMarco.

“CODA” director Siân Heder won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay. She made sure to bring an ASL interpreter, Heather, onstage during her acceptance speech. Among the people that Heder recognized were two deaf ASL masters, Anne Tomasetti and Alexandria Wailes — she thanked the two for bringing “my words to life.”

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The third Oscar for “CODA” was the best picture award. Half of the people inside Dolby Theatre gave the deaf applause in response. Two of the three producers behind the film gave speeches: Philippe Rousselet and Patrick Wachsberger. Patrick recognized that he was standing with former Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and new winner Troy Kotsur. He also honored Daniel Durant and Emilia Jones. A third producer, Fabrice Gianfermi, stood onstage but time ran out before he could give remarks. The Oscars broadcast ended quickly after that.

“CODA” and its purchaser Apple TV+ made history by being the first film in a streaming service to win best picture. It was also historic in authentic deaf representation with three deaf actors on the screen. It caps a year-long run of success for the film, starting with its release during the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, its record-breaking $25 million sale to Apple TV+, and the run of awards that Troy Kotsur, the cast, and Siân Heder has received in the past four months.

There are many deaf people on social media who are celebrating this moment. There are also many others who are also calling for more representation of deaf-centered stories in Hollywood, especially those that are told from a deaf point of view and those that include deaf people of color. Here’s hoping that “CODA” will be a stepping stone to a brighter future for deaf artists both in front and behind the cameras.