Troy Kotsur on Monday took home the best supporting actor trophy at the 94th annual Academy Awards, becoming the first deaf male actor to earn an Oscar.

The 53-year-old actor won the award for his performance as Frank Rossi in the movie ‘CODA.’

The star-studded audience rose to its feet for Kotsur and presenter Youn Yuh-jung signed his name before saying it into the mic. She then handed the prestigious award to Kotsur before quickly grabbing it back, freeing his hands to make his comments in American Sign Language. He was joined by an interpreter, who choked up while delivering the actor’s remarks.

“This is amazing to be here on this journey. I cannot believe I’m here. Thank you so much to all the members of the Academy for recognizing my work,” he began his acceptance speech.

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Kotsur then recalled CODA cast’s visit to the White House, where they met US President Joe Biden, and first lady Dr. Jill Biden.

“I was planning on teaching them some dirty sign language, but Marlee Matlin told me to behave myself. So don’t worry, Marlee, I won’t drop any f-bombs in my speech today. Instead, I want to thank all the wonderful deaf theater stages where I was allowed and given the opportunity to develop my craft as an actor,” he said.

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Kotsur paid tribute to his father, whom he referred to as “the best signer in our family.”

“But he was in a car accident and he became paralyzed from the neck down, and he was no longer able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero.”

He concluded the speech by dedicating his award “to the deaf community, the CODA community, and the disabled community,” telling them, “this is our moment.”

Soon, many people took to Twitter to praise the actor and celebrate the moment.

“I love absolutely everything about Troy Kotsur winning, and the grace with which Youn Yuh-jung presented the award, signed his name before saying it, and then holding his Oscar so he can say his speech,” one person wrote.

“Troy Kotsur is the first ever deaf male actor to win. His speech, and how Youn Yuh-jung announced it, was the most moving part of the night so far,” another person tweeted.