WCPO: 'CODA' wins big at Oscars, boosts visibility of Deaf and ASL communities
UC ASL and Deaf studies program director thrilled by Oscar winning film’s impact
When the best picture Oscar went to “CODA” on Sunday, March 27, at the 94th annual Academy Awards it was celebrated worldwide, and by UC faculty, students and staff in the ASL and Deaf Studies program. The film was about a girl named Ruby, as a CODA (child of deaf adults) and the only hearing person in her home. When she discovers a passion for singing, Ruby must choose between family obligations and her dreams.
"Last night, that was our moment, that was our time to say 'OK, things don't stop from here,” UC’s program Arrianna Bedgood, told WCPO through an interpreter because she is deaf.
The film’s star Troy Kotsur also made history when Kotsur become the first deaf man to win an Oscar for acting, taking home the statue for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In an emotional acceptance speech, he dedicated the award "to the Deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community.
"The only next step is to keep going," said Bedgood.
Featured image at top of ASL instructor Arriana Bedgood teaching during the pandemic. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Love it or raze it?
February 20, 2026
An architectural magazine covered the demolition of UC's Crosley Tower.
Social media linked to student loneliness
February 20, 2026
Inside Higher Education highlighted a new study by the University of Cincinnati that found that college students across the country who spent more time on social media reported feeling more loneliness.
Before the medals: The science behind training for freezing mountain air
February 19, 2026
From freezing temperatures to thin mountain air, University of Cincinnati exercise physiologist Christopher Kotarsky, PhD, explained how cold and altitude impact Olympic performance in a recent WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 news report.