The 94th Annual Academy Awards was held tonight at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. We watched as stars walked the red carpet, presented Oscar trophies, and even cracked a joke (or face) or two. Other than the love, thoughtful moments, and drama shared on the Oscar stage tonight, we can all agree this was a massive night for the Apple TV film CODA and a historic one for the entire Deaf community. CODA won the coveted prize for Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars.
CODA, short for Child of Deaf Adults, is a film about Ruby, a “CODA,” and the only hearing person in her deaf family. According to the IMDB description of the Gloucester, Massachusetts based film,
The PG-13 hour and fifteen long minute Apple TV film has been described as a heartwarming, coming-of-age dramedy that is filled with depth, soul and puts the lives of Deaf people on screen in a meaningful way(for the first time in 36 years since Marlee Matlin’s film Children of a Lesser God). As CODA wins the Oscar for Best Picture this year, it marks a historic win for a film that brings Deaf Culture and Deaf actors to the forefront as this is the first time a predominantly Deaf cast has won Best Picture in Oscars history.
The main character and CODA, Ruby, is played by young actress Emilia Jones. Previous Oscar winner for Children of a Lesser God in 1986, Marlee Matlin and well-known actress from the Deaf community starred in CODA as Ruby’s mother, Jackie Rossi. Actor Daniel Durant plays Ruby’s brother Leo Rossi in the film. Last but not least, Ruby’s father, Frank Rossi, is played by the newest Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur, who shared a heartwarming acceptance speech at tonight’s awards ceremony. Troy Kotsur is now the first male Deaf actor to win an Oscar.
Apple TV’s CODA has a score of 95 on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and an Audience Score of 93.
You can watch the Oscars 2022 Best Picture winner here on Apple TV+.
