Watch: ‘CODA’ star Troy Kotsur accepts BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in historic win

Troy Kotsur, star of the Apple TV+ film CODA, made history on Sunday night, when he became the first Deaf actor to win in the Best Supporting Actor category at the BAFTA Film Awards.

Kostur’s success comes after he bagged the same accolade at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last month, in another first for the Deaf community.

CODA‘s director, Siân Heder, also secured a gong at the BAFTAs yesterday, when the movie – about a hearing Child of Deaf Adults dreaming of a music career whilst balancing life in a Deaf family – was crowned the Best Adapted Screenplay.

In his acceptance speech, Kotsur said: “Well, first of all, it is such an honour to be here today to accept this award from BAFTA. I think it’s great that all of you are recognising my work from all the way across the sea – it’s truly amazing.

“I’d just like to say congratulations to James Bond, 007, for the 60th anniversary.

“And wait, wait, hold on, hold on, have you considered maybe a Deaf James Bond, 008?”

You can watch a clip of the actor’s speech below:

You did it, @TroyKotsur! Now it's time to celebrate your first BAFTA win (and also make that James Bond idea happen) ❤️ #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/6HgiGAALFJ

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) March 13, 2022

The cast and crew of CODA now hope to continue their success later this month, when the Oscars get underway on 28 March.

Photo: BAFTA/Twitter.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.