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SAG Awards 2022: Deaf actor Troy Kotsur makes history with award for 'CODA', fans get emotional

Troy Kotsur became the first deaf actor to win an individual SAG Award and fans were beyond excited for that

‘CODA’ star Troy Kotsur created history at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards and took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his impeccable acting in the coming-of-age comedy-drama movie. By winning the accolade, Kotsur has become the first deaf actor to win in the history of the award show and to claim an individual trophy.

The actor was up against the likes of Ben Affleck (‘The Last Duel’), Bradley Cooper (‘Licorice Pizza’), Jared Leto (‘House of Gucci’), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (‘The Power of the Dog’) at the ceremony.

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Kotsur was really emotional while accepting the award and thanked everyone who supported him and his movie. The actor also revealed that he has been a member of SAG since 2001 and after winning the award he has finally felt that he is a “part of the family.”

“I know you all know what it’s like to be a starving actor. Back then I used to sleep in my car, I slept in my dressing room backstage, and all of that. You feel me, right?” said Kotsur.

The actor ended his speech by thanking the producers, cast, and Apple TV+ for “all of their support and access. One of the most emotional moments from his speech came when he thanked his wife, Deanne Bray, from the stage and called her his “backbone”. The entire social media erupted after Kotsur’s name was announced from the stage and they shared their excitement by giving massive thumbs up to the actor.

One of the fans wrote, “This is such a beautiful win, with potent meaning. I hope, it really shows the industry that deaf actors have to get more roles and recognition. Congrats Mr. Kotsur, you deserve it so much.”

Another fan said, “Yes!! A historic and well-deserved win.” Another social media user wrote, “I choked up at the start of this speech. So happy for his much-deserved win.” Meanwhile, another fan wrote, “Sobbing after seeing his speech. So well deserved Mr. Troy Kotsur.”

“This win makes me so incredibly happy!! Well done, Troy Kotsur”, wrote another fan. “No cause, he literally deserved everything this season. The scene after the recital on the truck made me cry,” said another one.

Previous recent winners of the supporting actor award include Daniel Kaluuya, Brad Pitt, Mahershala Ali (twice), and Sam Rockwell, all of whom went on to win the respective Oscar as well. 

The winners of the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced on Sunday, February 28, at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar.