How ‘CODA’ went from indie underdog to best picture Oscar
From the moment it premiered (virtually) at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, “CODA” seemed destined for something special. The story of a high school senior (Emilia Jones) who is the only hearing member of her household, the movie deftly balances comedy, drama and a little romance to chart the ups and downs of everyday family life. And does so with the unique perspective of three significant deaf characters played by Deaf actors (Oscar winner Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant and breakout actor Troy Kotsur).
It would go on to win an unprecedented four awards at the indie festival and was acquired by Apple TV+ for a record-breaking $25 million to launch on the streamer with a concurrent theatrical release. (And this is when movie theaters were still barely open due to the pandemic.)
Although its release in August 2021 was relatively quiet, the critically acclaimed movie stuck around through a competitive awards season and slowly but surely proved its ability to stand out from the pack. In January it landed Oscar nominations for adapted screenplay, supporting actor (for Kotsur) and best picture.
By the time it won the top prizes at both the Screen Actors Guild and Producers Guild Awards, it became the unexpected front-runner for the best picture Oscar.
“CODA” would go on to win exactly that prize, plus awards for adapted screenplay and supporting actor, at the 94th Academy Awards. Its journey — as tracked by The Times beginning at Sundance — sure has been sweet.
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Oscar winner Marlee Matlin returns to the big screen in the Sundance Film Festival opener “CODA,” and she can’t wait for people to see it.
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The coming-of-age movie ‘CODA’ is a beautiful story of a teen girl and her loving, Deaf family.
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Groundbreaking Sundance hit “CODA” created a space for Deaf actors on-set and made the environment accessible for all.
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Seeing co-star Marlee Matlin in a film reinforced the actor’s desire to tell stories as a Deaf man.
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Popular Mexican actor finds similarities between children of Deaf parents and children of immigrants, acting as a bridge to communities.
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The intimacy of the acting alone is moving, but the stripped down audio enhances the story — no distractions, only emotion.
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The film about the teen daughter of Deaf parents is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
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‘CODA’ star Troy Kotsur is the first Deaf male actor to receive an Oscar nomination. He is nominated for supporting actor for his turn as Frank Rossi.
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Sian Heder and Apple TV+’s ‘CODA’ — which stars both Deaf and hearing actors — won best film ensemble at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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The Producers Guild film prize has often been a strong precursor to an Oscar best picture win.
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This years’ Academy Awards ceremony features three films prominently representing the Deaf community. Here’s how the academy is upping its game for ASL interpreting.
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The feel-good family movie was viewed as an underdog but, in the end, its competition never stood a chance.
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Troy Kotsur, who plays fisherman Frank Rossi in “CODA,” just won the Oscar for supporting actor. Read his full acceptance speech here.
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Siân Heder’s scrappy, jugular-piercing crowd-pleaser about a hearing teenager growing up within a Deaf family upsets Jane Campion’s brooding psychological drama, the clear-cut, pre-Oscars favorite for best picture.
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Three women hosted, Beyonce busted open the show and Jane Campion, Sian Heder and Ariana DeBose had historic wins. But then Will Smith hit Chris Rock.
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After “CODA” wins best picture and co-star Troy Kotsur scores his Oscar, Marlee Matlin has a message for Hollywood and the film academy.
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The L.A.-based nonprofit Deaf West Theatre has teamed up with the producers of “CODA” to create a bilingual musical based on the film.
