Sundance sensation ‘CODA’ wins top prize at SAG Awards

'CODA' won outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture on Sunday night. Photo: Apple TV+

LOS ANGELES — 2021 Sundance Film Festival sensation CODA won top honors at Sunday night’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, a key indicator for the Academy Awards.

Written and directed by Siân Heder, the movie won the Audience Award, the Directing Award, the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast, and the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category at the 2021 festival.

Based on the French film La Famille Bélier, the plot is centered around Ruby (Emilia Jones), a CODA (“child of deaf adult”) who serves as an interpreter for her parents and works on her family’s fishing boat every day before school. As Ruby discovers her talent with music, she is forced to reconcile between her dreams and the obligations she feels to her family.

Troy Kotsur, who plays Ruby’s father in the film, won best supporting actor on Sunday, becoming the first deaf actor to win an individual SAG award.

On stage after winning best ensemble, star of the film Marlee Matlin said, “this validates the fact that we, deaf actors, can work just like anybody else. We look forward to more opportunities for deaf actors.” She taught the crowd sign language for “I love you.”

Other winners on Sunday include Netflix’s Squid Game, HBO’s Succession, and Will Smith for his lead role in King Richard.

The SAG Awards are considered a reliable predictor of the Academy Awards, as actors make up the largest percentage of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

CODA is nominated for three Oscars, including best picture and best-adapted screenplay.

You can stream the film on Apple TV+.