One year after the landmark success for Best Picture winner “CODA” at the Academy Awards, the 2023presented the latest opportunity for Hollywood to show the world where it stands on inclusion and diversity.
Another particularly meaningful moment for inclusion occurred when actor with Down syndrome James Martin, who was on stage upon “An Irish Goodbye” winning the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, was serenaded by the audience for his 31st birthday. Much like how Zack Gottsagen became the first person with Down syndrome to present an award at the 2020 Oscars with “The Peanut Butter Falcon” co-star Shia LaBeouf, this was another example of authentic representation in film.
While we celebrate this multifaceted progress for inclusion in the entertainment industry, it is also important to remember that Hollywood’s work in this realm is far from done. This is particularly true when it comes to the practice of authentic representation — casting actors with disabilities to play characters with disabilities.
In the year since “CODA’s” success at the Academy Awards, the Foundation has awarded the Seal of Authentic Representation to 10 shows and films. By publicly recognizing these studio productions, we are affirming and reinforcing the practices of the changemakers who are moving the entertainment industry in the right direction, in hopes that others will follow their lead.
of “Magazine Dreams” over the festival’s failure to provide sufficient captioning for audience members who are deaf. Matlin was among the competition’s jurors.
Love you two too.
He won the Oscar last year. That’s why he was invited back. That’sAll!
But at times what the person was signing was covered over by a lower banner.