Oscars 2022: Every Acting Nominee Ranked
12. Troy Kotsur - CODA
For his transformative portrayal of an eccentric, loving fisherman and family man in Sian Heder's life-affirming drama CODA, Troy Kotsur has become the first Deaf man to be nominated for an Oscar.
Disappearing entirely into the role of patriarch Frank Rossi, Kotsur is filthily funny, but also touching and the heart and soul of the movie despite his limited screen time (he gets about twenty minutes to shine).
With no stereotypes in sight, Kotsur brings Frank to life with an authentic and raw power a hearing actor would undoubtedly have lacked in the role, highlighting almost singlehandily why representation is important, and far superior than having someone else act out the mannerisms of disabled people (looking at you, Music).
Kotsur's performance is beautiful and enveloping, and if he wins it'll be one of the most worthy victories of the night.