Troy Kotsur made history at the 2022 Oscars, becoming the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award in the best supporting actor category for his role in “CODA.” His co-star in the film, Marlee Matlin, won an Oscar for best actress in 1987 for her role in the movie “Children of a Lesser God.”
When Kotsur took the stage, Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung presented him with the award by signing to him and also sweetly held his Oscar so that he could use sign language to accept his award.
“This is amazing to be here on this journey. I can't believe I'm here," Kotsur signed. "I really want to thank all of the wonderful deaf theater stages where I was able to develop my craft as an actor.”
He continued, "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 was no longer able to sign ... you are my hero." Kotsur added that his Oscar is "dedicated" to the deaf community.
Kotsur also won a Golden Globe and SAG Award this year for his role in the film.