What Youn Yuh-Jung Signed to Troy Kotsur at the Oscars

The 2022 Oscars has already made history. The esteemed awards ceremony is comprised of incredible nominees and winners from several different backgrounds, including Troy Kotsur, the first deaf man to win an Oscar in the best supporting actor category. Kotsur plays the role of Frank Rossi in the acclaimed Apple TV+ film, "CODA," which centres around Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of her deaf family.

Korean actress and best supporting actress-Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-Jung presented the Oscar for best supporting actor to Kotsur at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. Upon welcoming him to the stage to accept the award, Youn Yuh-Jung tenderly signed a message to Kotsur to show her congratulations, but what did she say?

What Did Youn Yuh-Jung Sign to Troy Kotsur at the 2022 Oscars?

After announcing Kotsur as the winner, Youn Yuh-Jung signed "Congrats, I love you" to the actor as she enthusiastically welcomed him onto the stage. The actress went on to stand beside Kotsur holding his Oscar for him as he signed his moving speech. Many took to social media to talk about the tender moment, praising Youn Yuh-Jung for her conscious choice to sign to Kotsur.

What hit me more is when Youn Yuh-Jung signed 'congratulations' before even spoke Troy Kotsur, I jus knew it's him won the award.

— Colleen Farrell (@cmbfarrell) March 28, 2022

Other viewers pointed out the lack of ASL interpreters present during the Oscars is unacceptable, noting there should be ASL interpreters for all categories and wins, not just categories where movies surrounding deaf characters are present.

Having an ASL interpreter only for the speeches related to CODA as if deaf people who watch the Oscars will ONLY be interested in those speeches is 🥴

— Jaleesa Lashay Diaz (@JaleesaLashay) March 28, 2022

While there are no live interpreters on stage during the ceremony, this year, there was an ASL livestream on Youtube, though it's unclear if the stream will be provided annually.

Troy Kotsur's 2022 Oscars Speech

Kotsur enthusiastically accepted Oscar by dedicating it, in part, to the Deaf community. "This is dedicated to the Deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community," he said. "This is our moment." He also took time to pay tribute to his father, saying, "He was the best signer in our family. But he was in a car accident and he became paralyzed 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."

Watch the moment and Kotsur's speech below!

The Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role goes to Troy Kotsur for his spectacular performance in 'CODA.' Congratulations! #Oscars @troykotsur pic.twitter.com/pX3tZGzt2X

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022