Troy Kotsur, who already made history as the first deaf actor to be Oscar-nominated, is continuing to make waves with the Academy Award he nabbed at 2022's ceremony. Kotsur also took the Best Supporting Actor honor at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards as well as the Critics Choice Awards. His hilarious and heartfelt turn as the young protagonist's fisherman father has captivated audiences ever since CODA's premiere at Sundance.
CODA focuses on what it means to be a child of deaf adults (hence the acronym title). The film focuses on Ruby (Emilia Jones) who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. After Ruby gets a chance of pursuing her music career at Berkley, she is conflicted with the struggle of abandoning her family. The film's cast includes deaf actors including the talented Marlee Matlin. It is an endearing drama that features strong performances while showcasing the struggles and conflicts of a hearing child living in a deaf family.
History Behind CODA and Kotsur's Career
CODA is written and directed by Sian Heder. It's a successful remake of the French-language film La Famille Bélier, released in 2014. The film's terrific cast also includes Oscar winner Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Amy Forsyth and Kevin Chapman. It premiered at the 2021 virtual Sundance and swept the main prizes; earning Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast, the Directing Award, the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize.
It also set a festival record when Apple acquired it for $25 million. In a time when many Oscar films are dramatic downers, CODA is an inspiring story about a family that truly loves one another, despite their different aspirations. It's no wonder, then, the film at large took the top honors at the SAG Awards and the WGA Awards this year.
CODA has been a massive success story for Apple as it's currently nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, in addition to Kotsur's nod (and win). The film premiered on Apple TV+ and in theaters globally last August and has now become the first Best Picture nominee that features a mostly deaf cast, including Kotsur.
Speaking of Kotsur, the Arizona native has been acting and directing for more than 20 years. Deaf since birth, he has had critically acclaimed performances in major films and TV shows as well as Broadway. Previous to CODA, Kotsur had a supporting role in The Number 23 starring Jim Carrey, and in subsequent years became known for stand-out performances in indie features.
On TV, he made headlines in 2019 for his acting role in The Mandalorian on Disney+ because along with acting, he choreographed an adapted form of sign language for the series. Much of his success has stemmed from his highly respected career on stage. This includes a role in the Tony Award-winning run of Big River on Broadway. We can't wait to see what's next in store for him!