CODA’s Troy Kotsur makes history as first Deaf male to win acting Oscar

CODA star Troy Kotsur made history on Sunday night, when he became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar for his role in the Apple TV+ film, which also won the award for best picture.

Kotsur, who plays Frank Rossi in the story about a hearing Child of Deaf Adults balancing life with a Deaf family with an aspiring music career, took home the award for Best Supporting Actor.

He now joins co-star Marlee Matlin as the only two Deaf people to win an Academy Award to date.

Accepting the award, Kotsur said: “I really want to thank all of the wonderful Deaf theatre stages where I was allowed and given the opportunity to develop my craft as an actor.

“I read one of Spielberg’s books recently and he said that the best director – the definition of the best director – was a skilled communicator. Sian Heder, you are the best communicator.

“The reason why is you brought the Deaf world and the hearing world together, and you are our bridge.”

Troy Kotsur received a standing ovation at the 94th Academy Awards after he became the first deaf male actor to ever win an Oscar — watch his acceptance speech #Oscars pic.twitter.com/f8753VxLh0

— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) March 28, 2022

 

After giving a mention to his “hero” Dad and his family, Kotsur revealed who the award was dedicated to.

He added: “This is dedicated to the Deaf community, the CODA community, and the disabled community. This is our moment.

“To my mum, my dad, and my brother Mark, they’re not here today, but look at me now. I did it.”

The news follows other historic wins for the actor, including being the first Deaf person to win a Screen Actors Guild Award and first Deaf male actor to nab a BAFTA.

Accepting the latter award in the Royal Albert Hall earlier this month, Kotsur said: “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.

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

 

“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?”

As well as an individual awards for Kotsur, CODA won all of the categories in which it was nominated, taking home Oscars for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

The surprise Best Picture win comes as several film fans predicted the Netflix hit The Power of the Dog would win the top prize.

It wasn’t the only Deaf film to be up for an Oscar, either, with the Netflix documentary Audible nominated in the Documentary (Short Subject) category.

The doc, executive produced by American Deaf activist Nyle DiMarco, was beaten to the award by The Queen of Basketball – a film documenting basketball player Luisa “Lucy” Harris.

Photo: Oscars.

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.