Troy Kotsur gave a moving acceptance speech at the Oscars on Sunday night, with even his interpreter appearing to be moved to tears.
The star, 53, became the first deaf male actor to win Best Supporting Actor in Oscars history during the 94th Academy Awards, for his his role in CODA.
Troy, who has been deaf since birth, has been cleaning up this awards season - having previously won honours at the BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
As he accepted his award for his role as fisherman Frank Rossi, the actor dedicated his Oscar to "the deaf community, the Coda community, the disabled community. This is our moment."
After being presented the gong by 2021 Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung, Troy delivered his inspiring speech in sign language, with a translator sharing his words with the celebrity audience and those watching at home.
"This is amazing to be here on this journey, I cannot believe I’m here," he began on stage. "Thank you so much to all the members of the Academy for recognising my work."
The Oscar winner went on to discuss the film's incredible reach - including joking about planning to teach the White House "some dirty sign language" after being invited to visit by President Biden.
Troy then movingly paid tribute to his father, who is also deaf but unable to sign after being paralysed in a car crash.
"Dad, I learned so much from you," the history-making Oscar winner declared. "I’ll always love you. You are my hero."
CODA, directed by Siân Heder, documents the life of 17-year-old Ruby, who is the sole hearing member of a deaf family – a CODA, child of deaf adults.
Speaking on stage on Sunday night, star Troy thanked his co-stars and family, before concluding with: "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."
Viewers watching at home were moved by the emotional and touching speech - with some noting the category's presenter Youn Yuh Jung looking on as winner Troy collected the honour.
"Youn Yuh Jung standing and looking adoringly at Troy Kostur is the most beautiful part of this show. #Oscars," one lovingly mused on Twitter.
Another added: "Troy Kotsur's Oscars acceptance speech... The way Youn Yuh-jung is looking at him... His interpreter tearing up...I'm not crying you're crying."
Troy is the first male deaf actor to win at the Academy awards, with actress Marlee Matlin being the first member of the deaf community to be honoured in 1987.
The star made history as the first ever deaf performer to win an Oscar, after taking home the Best Actress trophy For Children of a Lesser God.
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