CODA’s Troy Kotsur Makes History With 2022 Oscars Win

“You brought the deaf world and the hearing world together,” he said. “You are our bridge, and your name will forever be on that bridge.”

Stressing the importance of communication, Kotsur went on to explain how his father had been “the best signer in our family” before a car accident rendered him paralyzed from the waist down and he was no longer able to sign. “Dad, I learned so much from you,” he said. “I’ll always love you. You are my hero.”

Kotsur added, “I just wanted to say that this is dedicated to the deaf community, the C.O.D.A. community and the disabled community. This is our moment.”

Also starring Daniel Durant, Emilia Jones and Amy Forsyth, CODA follows a young girl who wants to pursue her love of singing at the Berklee College of Music but is afraid of leaving her deaf parents and brother alone to tend to their fishing business.