Troy Kotsur’s Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor on Sunday was celebrated far beyond the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles where he accepted the trophy.

“This is dedicated to the Deaf community, the ‘CODA’ community, and the disabled community,” he signed on stage as an interpreter spoke his speech. “This is our moment!”

Marlee Matlin, his co-star in the 2022 Best Picture-nominated film “CODA,” was the first deaf performer to win an Oscar back in 1987.

For many watching the award show from home, the victory meant much more than an achievement in film. It reminded people of their family members, their own experiences and the importance of representation. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), was one of many organizations to share congratulations with the actor on social media.

My grandfather was a Coda. My (deaf) great grandparents immigrated from Italy and not only did my grandfather not speak English, he mostly signed.
He and his siblings spent a lot of time feeling alone.
I wish he lived to see Troy’s speech. It would have bowled him over.

— Jaime Primak (@JaimePrimak) March 28, 2022

“This is dedicated to the Deaf community, the CODA community, and the disabled community. This is our moment!”- Troy Kotsur, the first, but certainly not the last, Deaf man to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor

Congratulations, Troy! #Oscars  #CODA  #FilmDis

— AAPD (@AAPD) March 28, 2022

Many deaf viewers and people watching with deaf family or friends shared their appreciation and celebrated the moment.

congrats to the Deaf actor @TroyKotsur for winning an Oscar this is a huge W for the Deaf community

— Ewok (@Ewok) March 28, 2022

Such a beautiful moment seeing Troy Kotsur win this Oscar. And what a speech.

Thinking of my deaf sister tonight. Love you, @ESRalston!

— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) March 28, 2022

As the younger brother of a (now) deaf adult, I knew about this marginalized and minoritized population before any other. Seeing @TroyKotsur win today is amazing. CONGRATS!

“look at me now, I did it…”#CODAfilm https://t.co/RQ7Zv5Qcxh

— (((Howard Forman))) (@thehowie) March 28, 2022

Many were touched or emotional thinking about the achievement in representing the deaf community in film.

A Korean actor mispronouncing white names and presenting a deaf actor with an award as he accepts in ASL is an amazing moment for language in a country where we think spoken English is a global standard.

— Dazinda Clark-Cole (@Danez_Smif) March 28, 2022

Seeing the Dolby theater audience giving actor Troy Kotsur a standing ovation and applause, in sign language, had me in tears. He dedicated his Oscar to the deaf community.
The deaf community was seen and heard on the world stage tonight.

— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) March 28, 2022

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