A film prominently featuring people with disabilities is making history with multiple Academy Award nominations.

“CODA” became the first film starring a mostly deaf cast in leading roles to be up for best picture when the nominations were announced this week.

In addition, Troy Kotsur, who stars as a fisherman and family patriarch in the movie, became the first deaf male actor to receive a nomination with his nod for best supporting actor. And, the Apple TV+ movie was nominated for best adapted screenplay.

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“CODA,” which stands for child of deaf adults, centers on 17-year-old Ruby who is the only member of her family who can hear. Ruby often acts as an interpreter for her parents, played by Kotsur and Marlee Matlin, and is divided between her family obligations and her desire to pursue her own dreams as a singer.

Kotsur told the Los Angeles Times that he was inspired by his “CODA” co-star Matlin who was the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award in 1987.

“It’s a tough journey as a deaf actor,” Kotsur told the newspaper. “There’s so few opportunities out there, and she kept on going. She was persistent. And then so was I with my own career as a stage actor. So here I am today.”

The winners of the Academy Awards will be announced March 27.

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