44 DIVERSEability Magazine www.diverseabilitymagazine.com

FEATURE

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n 2021, Apple TV released the movie CODA , a coming-of-age film focusing on the life of Ruby Rossi, the only hearing mem- ber of her all-deaf family. The film was not only praised for its incredible story and per- formances but for its overall representation of the deaf community and its utilization of using deaf actors to play deaf characters. Now, what was once considered an indie film has become a roaring success, securing several wins and firsts with the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. Im just stunned. Im so moved. Im so proud of this cast and this crew, Sian Heder told Deadline when the film was nominated, including her nomination (eventual first win) for Best Adapted Screenplay, It was a little indie movie, and people poured their hearts into it, and its just so incredible to see the movie get recognized on such a big scale. Throughout the film's production, Heder pushed for the film to be as inclusive and edu- cated as possible. First and foremost, Heder and the first hire for the film, Marlee Matlin, were adamant about hiring deaf actors to play the deaf characters. When studios work- ing with the production showed hesitancy in hiring deaf actors, Matlin, who is already a huge name in Hollywood, said that she would leave the production if the right representation wasnt in place. Though having deaf actors tell the stories of deaf characters isnt a new idea, it has been advocated for heavily by the deaf community to increase representation, debunk stereotypes and properly tell the sto- ries of the deaf experience. People think that deaf people are mono- lithic in terms of how they approach life and this film bursts that myth, but to burst that myth, it had to be told as authentically as pos- sible, Matlin told the Los Angeles Times in regards to CODA , And its strange because studios clearly have the ability to greenlight a ilm and cast whomever they want, and there continues to be a lack of awareness that you can tell universal stories with deaf characters. Matlins persistence in using deaf actors to tell deaf stories led to hiring the film's other deaf leads, Daniel Durant and Troy Kotsur, who play Rubys brother and father. The choice to use deaf actors to play deaf charac- ters was praised by fans both in and out of the community and achieved a significant record

The Many Firsts of CODA

By Natalie Rodgers

MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES

Troy Kotsur, winner of the Best Supporting Actor award poses in the press room during the 94th Annual Academy Awards.