LOS ANGELES – Troy Kotsur can make room on his already crowded mantle for a historic trophy.
The first deaf male actor nominated for an Oscar won best supporting honours for his role in “CODA” at the Academy Awards on Sunday, AP reported.
Kotsur joins “CODA” costar Marlee Matlin as the only deaf Oscar winners. Matlin remains the youngest best actress winner at age 21 for the 1986 drama “Children of a Lesser God.”
The star-studded audience rose to its feet for Kotsur, a heavy favorite going in after already winning trophies from the British Academy Film Awards, SAG, Critics’ Choice and Independent Spirit.
Javier Bardem, Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman and others brought up their hands and waved them about — what’s known as a deaf clap. In the crowded lobby bar of the Dolby Theatre, things came to a stop and people did the deaf clap as well.
Presenter Youn Yuh-jung, last year’s supporting actress winner, signed Kotsur’s name before announcing it. She handed the Oscar to Kotsur, then quickly grabbed it back, freeing his hands to make his comments in American Sign Language. An interpreter joined them on stage and choked up while delivering Kotsur’s remarks.
“This is amazing to be here on this journey,” Kotsur signed. “I cannot believe I’m here.”
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