Siân Heder’s CODA has been awarded the best picture in the 94th Academy Awards. Many did not see it coming as few expected that such a “people-pleaser movie” would be awarded the best picture. Some even labeled CODA as a “Hallmark movie” which is derogatory in the sense of cinema as a form of art.

But that does not stop the academy from giving CODA the best picture, and they deserve applause for that.

CODA’s win is particularly interesting, especially remembering the competitors it’s faced against. Let’s not forget that Spielberg’s high-end act of art West Side Story and the meticulously directed The Power of the Dog by Jane Campion were nominated for the award. Bear in mind that Kenneth Branagh’s charming and masterfully crafted Belfast were also on the list.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Academy (@theacademy)

What makes CODA so special?
Siân Heder’s best picture winner is adapted from the French film “La Famille Bélier,” so the idea of CODA is not entirely avant-garde. But one crucial difference is that the three family members in CODA are all portrayed by real-life deaf performers.

And the casting directors did a really good job of lining up the Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, and the scene-stealing presence of Troy Kotsur, who won the best supporting actor for his performance in the film.

CODA is filled with heartwarming, funny, and tear-jerking moments. It is very emotional, and it will give you goosebumps and tears when you watch it. Regardless of what detractors say, it is worthy to win the best picture.

CODA synopsis
CODA itself is an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, which gives a clear hint of the big picture of the movie. The story revolves around a high schooler Ruby Rossi, played by the exceptional Emilia Jones, who happens to be the only hearing person in her family of four.

The Rossis are working-class fishermen who decided to build a fish-selling business after corporate interference strips them off financially. And for that purpose, Rosy becomes the de facto interpreter for the whole family as they could not afford to pay an outside interpreter.

Ruby is the sole bridge that connects the Rossi clan with the hearing community and as that is Ruby’s role her entire life, she has no problem with being the family’s interpreter. That is until she joined the school choir and found out that she is a talented singer. The conflict between the characters starts when Ruby decides she wanted to apply for Boston’s Berklee College of Music in the middle of the founding of her family business.