Troy Kotsur of 'CODA' becomes the 1st deaf man to win an Oscar. His winning speech will make you cry

Troy Kotsur became the first deaf man to win an Oscar, taking the Academy Award on Sunday for best supporting actor for his role as a fisherman and father in family drama 'CODA.' The win was an emotional moment for the actor, who delivered a heart-wrenching speech thanking his dad, whom he called his 'hero'. The 53-year-old also thanked his wife and daughter, whom he called his biggest fans.

When Kotsur left his seat, after his name was announced, it seemed as if the actor's heart and eyes were full, as he made his way to collect the award for the best supporting actor. After a three decade long career in theatre, television and film for both deaf and hearing audiences, this was Kotsur's crowning moment. However, he shared his victory with the deaf community.

Accepting the Oscar with a touching signed speech, translated by an interpreter, Kotsur talked about his father. The actor said, " He (his dad) was in a car accident, and he became paralysed from the neck down and he no longer was able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you. I'll always love you. You are my hero. Thank you to my biggest fans, my wife and my daughter Kira and my home state of Mesa, Arizona and Mark Finly my manager, and our team. 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 mom, my dad and my brother Mark, they are not here today, but loook at me now."

In 'CODA,' an acronym for "child of deaf adults," Kotsur plays Frank Rossi, the father of teenager Ruby who struggles to help her family's fishing business while pursuing her own aspirations in music.

The only other deaf person to win an Oscar was Kotsur's 'CODA' co-star Marlee Matlin. She won best actress for her role in 1986 romantic drama 'Children of a Lesser God.'

Kotsur was born deaf and grew up in Arizona as the only non-hearing member of his family, attending the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf and a suburban high school in Mesa.

Most of Kotsur's credits come from the theater, with roles in 'Of Mice and Men,' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and a Broadway production of 'Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'

He also appeared in an episode of 'Star Wars' television series 'The Mandalorian' and created a fictional sign language for the Tusken Raiders on the planet Tatooine.

Kotsur earned the supporting actor honor over Ciaran Hinds for 'Belfast,' J.K. Simmons for 'Being the Ricardos' and Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jesse Plemons, both nominated for their roles in 'The Power of the Dog.'