Oscars 2022: Troy Kotsur becomes first deaf man to win acting award

Coda star Troy Kotsur became the first deaf man to win an acting gong at the Oscars when he was emotionally awarded with the Best Supporting Actor prize.

The 53-year-old performer plays Frank in the movie, which follows his daughter — a "Child of Deaf Adults" — as she pursues her dream of becoming a singer.

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Kotsur was a huge favourite for the award going into the Oscars, having won precursor prizes from the likes of Bafta and the Screen Actors Guild.

He was presented with his award by last year's Best Supporting Actress winner — Minari star Yuh-Jung Youn — who announced his name using sign language.

In a tear-jerking acceptance speech, Kotsur thanked Coda writer-director Sian Heder as well as his on-screen wife Marlee Matlin.

Matlin made history as the first deaf person to win an acting Oscar when she scooped the Best Actress prize for Children of a Lesser God in 1987.

"This is amazing to be here on this journey, I cannot believe I’m here," said Kotsur.

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He added: "I just wanted to say that this is dedicated to the deaf community, the Coda community and the disabled community.

"This is our moment. To my mum, my dad and my brother Mark – they’re not here today but look at me now. I did it."

Kotsur gave a special mention in the speech to his father who was "the best signer in the family" until a car accident left him unable to communicate with his hands.

"Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero," said Kotsur.

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Coda was nominated for three awards in total at the Oscars, with Heder winning Best Adapted Screenplay and the movie also competing for Best Picture.

The Oscars were handed out at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.

Watch: Yuh-Jung Youn takes away Oscar so Troy Kotsur can sign speech