List of Academy Award Films With Sign Language In History of Oscars | DeafNiche
At this year’s Academy Awards, the dreamy film The Shape of Water with its 13 nominations has the highest number of nominations that any film with sign language has had in the history of the Academy! There have been winners and nominations with deaf characters and sign language since the Academy was established in 1928, only two films came close to thirteen nominations like The Shape of Water. Let’s take a look back at the Academy’s history with sign language, beginning with the 1948 blockbuster Johnny Belinda.
1948- Johnny Belinda
A story about a deaf woman who lives in a small town and is pulled unwillingly into a scandal, Johnny Belinda was a strong contender at the Oscars in 1948 with six nominations: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adaptation, and Best Director.
WON: Best Actress, Jane Wyman
1955- Helen Keller In Her Story (also known as The Unconquered)
In this documentary that Helen Keller herself was involved in the making of about her life and education, Helen Keller In Her Story took the win for Best Feature Documentary.
WON: Best Documentary Feature Film
1960- Beyond Silence
Nominated for Best Documentary Short Subject, Beyond Silence celebrates Gallaudet University’s 100th year and explores the school environment and education setting.
