TROY Kotsur made headlines at the 2022 Oscars by becoming the first deaf man to win an award for acting.
Previously, Marlee Matlin took home the award for best actress in 1987 for her role in the film, Children of a Lesser God.
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What did Troy Kotsur say in his Oscar speech?
Following Kotsur’s emotional win, he took to the stage to deliver a speech, where he gave a tearful tribute to his father.
In the beginning, Kotsur, 53, commented about how amazed he was that CODA had reached an extensive audience, adding that the cast was even able to meet President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, as a result.
When talking about his trip to the White House in his speech, Kotsur joked that his costar Marlee Matlin stopped him from teaching the president and first lady swear words in sign language.
“I was planning on teaching them some dirty sign language but Marlee Matlin told me to behave myself. So don’t worry, Marlee, I won’t drop any ‘F’ bombs in my speech today,” Kotsur signed.
“Instead, I want to thank all the wonderful deaf theater stages, where I was allowed and given the opportunity to develop my craft as an actor.”
He then went on to thank CODA’s director, Sian Heder, for his role in the film.
“I read one of [Steven] Spielberg’s books recently, and he said 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,” Kotsur continued.
more from the 2022 oscar awards
In an emotional conclusion, Kotsur then revealed the impact his father had on him growing up, stating that he is one of the reasons he was able to win the award.
“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,” Kotsur said.
“Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero. Thank you to my biggest fans, my wife and my daughter Kyra and my hometown of Mesa, Arizona, and Mark Findley, my manager and my team.
“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.”
What other productions has Troy Kotsur been in?
Kotsur has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, during which time he has starred in a number of productions.
Some of his most notable work includes roles in The Number 23, Wild Prairie Rose, and Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye.
Following the success of CODA, Kotsur’s career will continue with roles in the upcoming projects Flash Before the Bang and The Last Police.
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How can I watch CODA?
CODA, which stands for Child of Deaf Adults, is a film about Ruby, the only hearing member of a deaf family from Gloucester, Massachusetts.
When she joins her high school’s choir club, she discovers that she is drawn to her duet partner and singing.
The film, which also stars Marlee Matlin, Emilia Jones, and Daniel Durant, can be streamed through Apple TV+.
Subscriptions for the streaming service start at $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial also available.
At this time, it remains unclear if CODA will be available to watch on other services.
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