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The Oscars return to Hollywood on Sunday, as nominees from top contending films including 'CODA', 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;and 'Belfast'&nbsp;gather in a futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night.

After a year away from the Dolby Theatre due to the pandemic, the 94th Academy Awards are back in the heart of Tinseltown, where A-listers who have passed strict Covid-19 testing protocols will walk the red carpet in their finest gowns and tuxedos once again.

Dark, psychological Western 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;had looked set to earn Netflix its much-coveted first best picture statuette, but the race has been flung wide open in the past few weeks.

&nbsp;

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'CODA'&nbsp;-- an uplifting drama from Apple+ TV about an eccentric deaf family, and their musical daughter who can hear -- has surged in popularity and is now tipped by many industry insiders as the favourite.

Either would be a historic first best picture win for a streaming service. Kenneth Branagh's childhood-inspired "Belfast" cannot be ruled out -- even if its director is one of several nominees whose presence at the Oscars was thrown into doubt by a positive Covid test last week.

"It's a two- or three-horse race," said Variety film awards editor Clayton Davis, who has witnessed "big momentum" for "CODA."

"People have had a very rough last two years. And 'CODA' is positive, it's feel-good. And I think voters are in a feel-good mood." "It's a very tight race," agreed Hollywood Reporter awards columnist Scott Feinberg.

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While Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" is adored by many, it is "a bit more polarizing" and "not everyone's cup of tea" -- a handicap, as Academy voters are asked to rank all 10 best picture nominees.

"CODA," which began life as an indie drama, benefits from being perceived as "the underdog," an Academy voter said.

"Some Academy members I speak to are still reluctant to vote for a Netflix film as a best picture. But then here comes Apple, a streaming service as well," said the voter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noting the "twist of irony."

&nbsp;'Smart money' -

In a year when big-budget blockbusters finally hit reopened movie theaters and rival streamers amped up their libraries with star-packed new films, the acting categories are being contested by some of the biggest names in the business.

Will Smith is the strong favorite for best actor for his turn as the father of Venus and Serena Williams in "King Richard."

Feinberg called the best actress race "truly one where any of the five nominees could win," but said Jessica Chastain's portrayal of a real-life televangelist in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" was the "likeliest" to strike Oscars gold.

Davis agreed that was the "smart money," but said there was "a lot of love for Penelope Cruz," who could spring an upset for Spanish drama "Parallel Mothers."

Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman and Olivia Colman are also vying for the statuette.

Troy Kotsur -- one of several deaf actors in "CODA" -- and former Broadway dancer Ariana DeBose of "West Side Story" are favorites in the supporting categories.

Campion is well-placed to become the third woman to win best director -- just a year after Chloe Zhao became the second -- and sci-fi epic "Dune" could win the most Oscars overall due to its dominance in technical categories.

'Fun and electric' -

The ceremony will take place beneath sweeping, fluorescent blue arches and thousands of sparkling crystals and LEDs, described by designer David Korins as a "fun and electric and exciting... picture of the future."

But television network ABC will hope for a return to the higher ratings of years past.

The 2021 gala was watched by a paltry 10 million viewers -- a 56 per cent decline from 2020, which was already a record low.

Efforts to win back viewers include a new "fan favorite" prize voted for online by the public -- introduced after popular blockbusters such as "Spider Man: No Way Home" and Bond flick "No Time To Die" received only a handful of nominations.

And several attendees plan to use Sunday's red carpet interviews to speak out against a controversial decision to pre-tape the bestowing of awards in eight categories.

The pre-announced winners of the best sound, best score and other less starry Oscars will have their speeches edited into the broadcast. But still, the perceived snub has been controversial in the industry.

"I understand that the Academy are working under tremendous pressure, but I think that they made a mistake," Denis Villeneuve, director of "Dune," told AFP.

The extra time will be allocated to longer musical performances and comedy skits from hosts Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall.

Beyonce will perform her nominated track from 'King Richard,'&nbsp;lending the gala much-needed stardust, while the latest 007 theme will be performed by fellow nominee Billie Eilish.

The Oscars televised ceremony begins at 5:00 pm (0000 GMT Monday)

The Oscars return to Hollywood on Sunday, as nominees from top contending films including 'CODA', 'The Power of the Dog' and 'Belfast' gather in a futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night.

The Oscars return to Hollywood on Sunday, as nominees from top contending films including 'CODA', 'The Power of the Dog' and 'Belfast' gather in a futuristic, glittering ballroom for the movie industry's biggest night. After a year away from the Dolby Theatre due to the pandemic, the 94th Academy Awards are back in the heart of Tinseltown, where A-listers who have passed strict Covid-19 testing protocols will walk the red carpet in their finest gowns and tuxedos once again. Dark, psychological Western 'The Power of the Dog' had looked set to earn Netflix its much-coveted first best picture statuette, but the race has been flung wide open in the past few weeks. Oscars 2022: Nominees who broke records and can make history with their win 'CODA' -- an uplifting drama from Apple+ TV about an eccentric deaf family, and their musical daughter who can hear -- has surged in popularity and is now tipped by many industry insiders as the favourite. Either would be a historic first best picture win for a streaming service. Kenneth Branagh's childhood-inspired "Belfast" cannot be ruled out -- even if its director is one of several nominees whose presence at the Oscars was thrown into doubt by a positive Covid test last week. "It's a two- or three-horse race," said Variety film awards editor Clayton Davis, who has witnessed "big momentum" for "CODA." "People have had a very rough last two years. And 'CODA' is positive, it's feel-good. And I think voters are in a feel-good mood." "It's a very tight race," agreed Hollywood Reporter awards columnist Scott Feinberg. Oscars throwback: Hollywood power couples that slayed at the red carpet While Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" is adored by many, it is "a bit more polarizing" and "not everyone's cup of tea" -- a handicap, as Academy voters are asked to rank all 10 best picture nominees. "CODA," which began life as an indie drama, benefits from being perceived as "the underdog," an Academy voter said. "Some Academy members I speak to are still reluctant to vote for a Netflix film as a best picture. But then here comes Apple, a streaming service as well," said the voter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noting the "twist of irony." 'Smart money' - In a year when big-budget blockbusters finally hit reopened movie theaters and rival streamers amped up their libraries with star-packed new films, the acting categories are being contested by some of the biggest names in the business. Will Smith is the strong favorite for best actor for his turn as the father of Venus and Serena Williams in "King Richard." Feinberg called the best actress race "truly one where any of the five nominees could win," but said Jessica Chastain's portrayal of a real-life televangelist in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" was the "likeliest" to strike Oscars gold. Davis agreed that was the "smart money," but said there was "a lot of love for Penelope Cruz," who could spring an upset for Spanish drama "Parallel Mothers." Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman and Olivia Colman are also vying for the statuette. Troy Kotsur -- one of several deaf actors in "CODA" -- and former Broadway dancer Ariana DeBose of "West Side Story" are favorites in the supporting categories. Campion is well-placed to become the third woman to win best director -- just a year after Chloe Zhao became the second -- and sci-fi epic "Dune" could win the most Oscars overall due to its dominance in technical categories. 'Fun and electric' - The ceremony will take place beneath sweeping, fluorescent blue arches and thousands of sparkling crystals and LEDs, described by designer David Korins as a "fun and electric and exciting... picture of the future." But television network ABC will hope for a return to the higher ratings of years past. The 2021 gala was watched by a paltry 10 million viewers -- a 56 per cent decline from 2020, which was already a record low. Efforts to win back viewers include a new "fan favorite" prize voted for online by the public -- introduced after popular blockbusters such as "Spider Man: No Way Home" and Bond flick "No Time To Die" received only a handful of nominations. And several attendees plan to use Sunday's red carpet interviews to speak out against a controversial decision to pre-tape the bestowing of awards in eight categories. The pre-announced winners of the best sound, best score and other less starry Oscars will have their speeches edited into the broadcast. But still, the perceived snub has been controversial in the industry. "I understand that the Academy are working under tremendous pressure, but I think that they made a mistake," Denis Villeneuve, director of "Dune," told AFP. The extra time will be allocated to longer musical performances and comedy skits from hosts Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall. Beyonce will perform her nominated track from 'King Richard,' lending the gala much-needed stardust, while the latest 007 theme will be performed by fellow nominee Billie Eilish. The Oscars televised ceremony begins at 5:00 pm (0000 GMT Monday)

Oscars back in Hollywood as 'CODA' seeks top prize

Dark Western 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;is expected to seal its winning streak at Sunday's Academy Awards but 'CODA', a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, is closing in for the best film prize, according to bookmakers. 
 
Set on a 1920s Montana ranch, 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;has already scooped trophies this awards season including best film and director for Jane Campion at the British Academy Film Awards. 
 
It has 12 Oscar nominations including for Campion and star Benedict Cumberbatch in the best directing and leading actor categories respectively. 
 
However, 'CODA'&nbsp;has also triumphed, claiming the top honours from the Producers Guild and Screen Actors Guild. 
 
"If you'd asked us a week ago, 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;would have been pretty much a shoo-in to win...but such was the success of 'CODA'&nbsp;at the Producers Guild of America Awards last weekend...a lot of punters have jumped on 'CODA'," Alex Apati, PR Manager at bookmaker Ladbrokes, told Reuters. 
 
"It was 12/1 at the start of the month and it`s now as short as 11/10. So it's pretty much a two-horse race." 
 
He added that in the last four years, the best picture winners had been second favourites. 
 
Bookmaker Paddy Power has odds of 8/11 for 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;followed by 'CODA'&nbsp;with 11/10.

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Campion is the first woman to be nominated twice for best director and has been the frontrunner to win after picking up numerous awards already. 
 
Ladbrokes have odds of 1/25 for her while Paddy Power has 1/40. 
 
Will Smith is the favourite to win the best actor for playing the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams in 'King Richard'. 
 
"He's 1/8, a massive odds on favourite," Apati said. "It finally looks like it`s going to be Will Smith's time." 
 
Less clear is the leading actress category where past winners Nicole Kidman, Olivia Colman and Penelope Cruz will compete against Jessica Chastain and Kristen Stewart. 
 
"(This category) is probably going to be the closest race," Apati said. Chastain, nominated for 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', is leading with odds of 8/11. 
 
Japanese movie 'Drive My Car'&nbsp;is seen as the frontrunner for international feature film.

Dark Western 'The Power of the Dog' is expected to seal its winning streak at Sunday's Academy Awards but 'CODA', a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, is closing in for the best film prize, according to bookmakers.

Dark Western 'The Power of the Dog' is expected to seal its winning streak at Sunday's Academy Awards but 'CODA', a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, is closing in for the best film prize, according to bookmakers. Set on a 1920s Montana ranch, 'The Power of the Dog' has already scooped trophies this awards season including best film and director for Jane Campion at the British Academy Film Awards. It has 12 Oscar nominations including for Campion and star Benedict Cumberbatch in the best directing and leading actor categories respectively. However, 'CODA' has also triumphed, claiming the top honours from the Producers Guild and Screen Actors Guild. "If you'd asked us a week ago, 'The Power of the Dog' would have been pretty much a shoo-in to win...but such was the success of 'CODA' at the Producers Guild of America Awards last weekend...a lot of punters have jumped on 'CODA'," Alex Apati, PR Manager at bookmaker Ladbrokes, told Reuters. "It was 12/1 at the start of the month and it`s now as short as 11/10. So it's pretty much a two-horse race." He added that in the last four years, the best picture winners had been second favourites. Bookmaker Paddy Power has odds of 8/11 for 'The Power of the Dog' followed by 'CODA' with 11/10. Oscars 2022: 9 interesting facts around this year's awards ceremony Campion is the first woman to be nominated twice for best director and has been the frontrunner to win after picking up numerous awards already. Ladbrokes have odds of 1/25 for her while Paddy Power has 1/40. Will Smith is the favourite to win the best actor for playing the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams in 'King Richard'. "He's 1/8, a massive odds on favourite," Apati said. "It finally looks like it`s going to be Will Smith's time." Less clear is the leading actress category where past winners Nicole Kidman, Olivia Colman and Penelope Cruz will compete against Jessica Chastain and Kristen Stewart. "(This category) is probably going to be the closest race," Apati said. Chastain, nominated for 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', is leading with odds of 8/11. Japanese movie 'Drive My Car' is seen as the frontrunner for international feature film.

'The Power of the Dog' or 'CODA'? The bets are on ahead of Oscars

'CODA continues the winning streak as it took the top film prize at the annual Producers Guild Awards. This year's ceremony was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. 
 
Other notable film winners of the night were Questlove’s 'Summer of Soul' for documentary feature and the musical movie 'Encanto' for best producers of an animated film. 
 
'Succession' took home the Norman Felton Award for outstanding episodic drama. Apple’s 'Ted Lasso' took home Danny Thomas Award for outstanding television comedy.&nbsp; 
 
Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures 
CODA (WINNER) 
Being the Ricardos 
Belfast 
Don’t Look Up 
Dune 
King Richard 
Licorice Pizza 
The Power of the Dog 
Tick, Tick … Boom! 
West Side Story 
 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures 
Encanto (WINNER) 
Luca 
The Mitchells vs. The Machines 
Raya and the Last Dragon 
Sing 2 
Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Drama 
Succession (Season 3) (WINNER) 
The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 4) 
The Morning Show (Season 2) 
Squid Game (Season 1) 
Yellowstone (Season 4) 
 
Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy 
Ted Lasso (Season 2) (WINNER) 
Cobra Kai (Seasons 3 &amp; 4) 
Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 11) 
Hacks (Season 1) 
Only Murders in the Building (Season 1) 
 
David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television 
Mare of Easttown (WINNER) 
Dopesick 
​​The Underground Railroad 
WandaVision 
The White Lotus 
 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures 
Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers (WINNER) 
8-Bit Christmas 
Come From Away 
Oslo 
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia 
Single All The Way 
 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television 
The Beatles: Get Back (Season 1) (WINNER) 
60 Minutes (Season 54) 
Allen v. Farrow (Season 1) 
Queer Eye (Season 6) 
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (Season 1) 
 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup &amp; Talk Television 
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Season 8) (WINNER) 
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 27) 
Dave Chappelle: The Closer 
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Season 7) 
Saturday Night Live (Season 47) 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Game &amp; Competition Television 
RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 13) (WINNER) 
America’s Got Talent (Season 16) 
Nailed It! (Seasons 5 &amp; 6) 
Top Chef (Season 18) 
The Voice (Season 20) 
 
Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures 
Summer Of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (WINNER) 
Ascension 
The First Wave 
Flee 
In The Same Breath 
The Rescue 
Simple As Water 
Writing With Fire

'CODA continues the winning streak as it took the top film prize at the annual Producers Guild Awards. This year's ceremony was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

'CODA continues the winning streak as it took the top film prize at the annual Producers Guild Awards. This year's ceremony was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Other notable film winners of the night were Questlove’s 'Summer of Soul' for documentary feature and the musical movie 'Encanto' for best producers of an animated film. 'Succession' took home the Norman Felton Award for outstanding episodic drama. Apple’s 'Ted Lasso' took home Danny Thomas Award for outstanding television comedy. Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures CODA (WINNER) Being the Ricardos Belfast Don’t Look Up Dune King Richard Licorice Pizza The Power of the Dog Tick, Tick … Boom! West Side Story Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures Encanto (WINNER) Luca The Mitchells vs. The Machines Raya and the Last Dragon Sing 2 Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Drama Succession (Season 3) (WINNER) The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 4) The Morning Show (Season 2) Squid Game (Season 1) Yellowstone (Season 4) Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy Ted Lasso (Season 2) (WINNER) Cobra Kai (Seasons 3 & 4) Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 11) Hacks (Season 1) Only Murders in the Building (Season 1) David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television Mare of Easttown (WINNER) Dopesick The Underground Railroad WandaVision The White Lotus Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers (WINNER) 8-Bit Christmas Come From Away Oslo Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Single All The Way Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television The Beatles: Get Back (Season 1) (WINNER) 60 Minutes (Season 54) Allen v. Farrow (Season 1) Queer Eye (Season 6) Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (Season 1) Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk Television Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Season 8) (WINNER) The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Season 27) Dave Chappelle: The Closer The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Season 7) Saturday Night Live (Season 47) Award for Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition Television RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 13) (WINNER) America’s Got Talent (Season 16) Nailed It! (Seasons 5 & 6) Top Chef (Season 18) The Voice (Season 20) Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures Summer Of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (WINNER) Ascension The First Wave Flee In The Same Breath The Rescue Simple As Water Writing With Fire

Producers Guild Awards 2022: Succession, CODA win big, check the full list of winners

Actor Troy Kotsur&nbsp;made history at SAG awards on Sunday as he became the first deaf actor to win an individual award in the history of Screen Actor's Guild awards. Kotsur won the award in&nbsp;Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role category for his performance in 'CODA'.&nbsp;

Kotsur beat contender and fellow nominees&nbsp;Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Jared Leto and Kodi Smit-McPhee to win the coveted prize. 'CODA' also won Best ensemble on Sunday night. 
 
His win solidifies his prospects of becoming just the second deaf actor ever to take home an Oscar, on the heels of his CODA co-star Marlee Matlin's win back in 1987 for the film 'Children of a Lesser God'.

'CODA'&nbsp;is a comedic drama based on the French film 'La Famille Belier', which tells the story of Ruby (Jones), a CODA (or "child of deaf adult") who serves as an interpreter for the members of her Boston family, including her mother Jackie (Matlin), her father Frank (Kotsur) and her brother Leo (Daniel Durant). 
 
At a pivotal moment in her life, the character finds herself torn between the role she plays in "connecting her loved ones to the outside world" above all, with regard to their "fishing business" and her pursuit of an education in music. 
 
The film from writer-director Sian Heder garnered critical acclaim upon its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, winning its Grand Jury Prize as well as its Audience Award. 
 
At the 94th Academy Awards taking place on March 27, 'CODA' will also contend for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

Actor Troy Kotsur made history at SAG awards on Sunday as he became the first deaf actor to win an individual award in the history of Screen Actor's Guild awards.

Actor Troy Kotsur made history at SAG awards on Sunday as he became the first deaf actor to win an individual award in the history of Screen Actor's Guild awards. Kotsur won the award in Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role category for his performance in 'CODA'. Kotsur beat contender and fellow nominees Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Jared Leto and Kodi Smit-McPhee to win the coveted prize. 'CODA' also won Best ensemble on Sunday night. His win solidifies his prospects of becoming just the second deaf actor ever to take home an Oscar, on the heels of his CODA co-star Marlee Matlin's win back in 1987 for the film 'Children of a Lesser God'. 'CODA' is a comedic drama based on the French film 'La Famille Belier', which tells the story of Ruby (Jones), a CODA (or "child of deaf adult") who serves as an interpreter for the members of her Boston family, including her mother Jackie (Matlin), her father Frank (Kotsur) and her brother Leo (Daniel Durant). At a pivotal moment in her life, the character finds herself torn between the role she plays in "connecting her loved ones to the outside world" above all, with regard to their "fishing business" and her pursuit of an education in music. The film from writer-director Sian Heder garnered critical acclaim upon its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, winning its Grand Jury Prize as well as its Audience Award. At the 94th Academy Awards taking place on March 27, 'CODA' will also contend for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

SAG Award 2022: 'CODA' star Troy Kotsur becomes the first deaf actor to win individual honour

Going to the movies isn`t much fun for deaf people. Screenings in theatres with captions are limited and the special glasses and equipment needed to read them are often broken or unavailable. 
 
'CODA,'&nbsp;a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, will change that when it is screened with open captions that need no special equipment in all U.S. and U.K. movie theatres and showtimes, starting Friday./ 
 
"It couldn`t be more groundbreaking, (just) as the film is groundbreaking in support of the deaf community and the hard-of-hearing community," said Marlee Matlin, who plays a deaf mother in the film. Matlin is the only deaf performer to ever win an Oscar, for best actress in "Children of a Lesser God" in 1987. 
 
'CODA,'&nbsp;an acronym for the child of deaf adults, won four awards at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It also will be streamed with open captions on Apple TV+, starting Friday. 
 
Apple worked with movie theatre operators to ensure the film would be played everywhere, for deaf and hearing audiences alike, with the captions burned into the print in what is thought to be a first for a feature film release in theatres. 
 
"It is historic. It is huge for all us," said Daniel Durant, a deaf actor who plays son Leo. "This is a day we have waited to see for so many years." 
'CODA'&nbsp;tells the story of high school student Ruby who has grown up having to interpret for her deaf father, mother and brother in situations ranging from doctor visits to their small fishing business. The family communicates with sign language, and all three of the deaf characters are played by deaf actors. 
 
It follows 'Sound of Metal'&nbsp;about a drummer who loses his hearing, which earned six Oscar nominations earlier this year, including for best picture. 
Durant said while some scenes give the specific viewpoint of deaf people, the appeal of 'CODA'&nbsp;is universal. 
 
"Anyone who watches this can feel connected with it because everyone comes from a family, and every family goes through similar struggles - kids growing up, what are they going to do in their future, becoming independent, maybe they`re moving away from their family," he said. 
Writer-director Sian Heder, who is hearing, learned American Sign Language for the project and wanted to ensure the film was accessible to everyone. 
 
"Oftentimes I think deaf people are left out of the movie-going experience because of devices that don`t work and lack of devices in theaters," Heder said. 
 
The filmmakers hope the open caption screenings for 'CODA'&nbsp;will persuade other studios to follow their example and will encourage deaf people to try movie theatres again. 
 
Heder recalled the emotional reaction of a deaf man at a recent screening with the open captions in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the film was shot. 
 
"He was, like, `I don`t go to the movies. I can`t wear those glasses. They make me nauseous. Half the time they don`t work so I`ve just stopped going to the theater.` He hadn`t seen a movie in the theater in 10 years and he was very moved and excited."

Going to the movies isn`t much fun for deaf people. Screenings in theatres with captions are limited and the special glasses and equipment needed to read them are often broken or unavailable.

Going to the movies isn`t much fun for deaf people. Screenings in theatres with captions are limited and the special glasses and equipment needed to read them are often broken or unavailable. 'CODA,' a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, will change that when it is screened with open captions that need no special equipment in all U.S. and U.K. movie theatres and showtimes, starting Friday./ "It couldn`t be more groundbreaking, (just) as the film is groundbreaking in support of the deaf community and the hard-of-hearing community," said Marlee Matlin, who plays a deaf mother in the film. Matlin is the only deaf performer to ever win an Oscar, for best actress in "Children of a Lesser God" in 1987. 'CODA,' an acronym for the child of deaf adults, won four awards at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It also will be streamed with open captions on Apple TV+, starting Friday. Apple worked with movie theatre operators to ensure the film would be played everywhere, for deaf and hearing audiences alike, with the captions burned into the print in what is thought to be a first for a feature film release in theatres. "It is historic. It is huge for all us," said Daniel Durant, a deaf actor who plays son Leo. "This is a day we have waited to see for so many years." 'CODA' tells the story of high school student Ruby who has grown up having to interpret for her deaf father, mother and brother in situations ranging from doctor visits to their small fishing business. The family communicates with sign language, and all three of the deaf characters are played by deaf actors. It follows 'Sound of Metal' about a drummer who loses his hearing, which earned six Oscar nominations earlier this year, including for best picture. Durant said while some scenes give the specific viewpoint of deaf people, the appeal of 'CODA' is universal. "Anyone who watches this can feel connected with it because everyone comes from a family, and every family goes through similar struggles - kids growing up, what are they going to do in their future, becoming independent, maybe they`re moving away from their family," he said. Writer-director Sian Heder, who is hearing, learned American Sign Language for the project and wanted to ensure the film was accessible to everyone. "Oftentimes I think deaf people are left out of the movie-going experience because of devices that don`t work and lack of devices in theaters," Heder said. The filmmakers hope the open caption screenings for 'CODA' will persuade other studios to follow their example and will encourage deaf people to try movie theatres again. Heder recalled the emotional reaction of a deaf man at a recent screening with the open captions in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the film was shot. "He was, like, `I don`t go to the movies. I can`t wear those glasses. They make me nauseous. Half the time they don`t work so I`ve just stopped going to the theater.` He hadn`t seen a movie in the theater in 10 years and he was very moved and excited."

'CODA' breaks new ground for deaf movie theater-goers

"CODA," the heartwarming indie drama about a teenage girl struggling to support her deaf family, scooped the Sundance film festival's top prize Tuesday, while musician Questlove won documentary honors with his debut.

Taking its title from an acronym for child of deaf adult, "CODA" follows a high-school student (Emilia Jones) who is torn between pursuing her passion for music, and staying home to help her deaf parents and brother.

Apple purchased the film early in the US festival after a rapturous online response and an intense bidding war between distributors -- reportedly shelling out a Sundance record of $25 million.

"I'm so excited, I'm so moved -- I want to try to sign and talk at the same time but it's hard," said director Sian Heder, accepting the award remotely.

"CODA" is based on French 2014 comedy "La Famille Belier," transplanted to the US fishing town of Gloucester by Massachusetts native Heder ("Orange is the New Black.")

Both Heder and Jones learned to use sign language for the film, which features several prominent deaf actors in lead roles including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin ("Children of a Lesser God.")

The film also won the top Sundance audience award, and prizes for directing and ensemble cast.&nbsp;

Musician Questlove's first movie "Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)," about the huge "Black Woodstock" festival that took place in 1969 Harlem, won jury and audience prizes for best documentary.

The film uses never-before-seen footage of the star-studded concert which was attended by 300,000 people and featured Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson, but has largely been lost to history until now.

"Hive," about a woman fending for herself in patriarchal war-torn Kosovo, took world cinema drama prizes, while foreign documentary went to "Flee" -- an animation about a child refugee from Afghanistan, bought mid-festival by "Parasite" distributor NEON.

Top indie film festival Sundance was co-founded by Robert Redford and is typically held at Park City in the mountains of western state Utah.

But it took place largely online this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with all 72 feature films making their premieres via online streaming.

One of the final movies to feature Tuesday was "Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir," a documentary about the author of bestselling Chinese-American immigrant novel "The Joy Luck Club."

It was directed by Redford's son James, a filmmaker and activist who died in October aged 58 from bile-duct cancer with the movie largely completed.

"He was somebody I trusted so much... I felt he was never going to judge me, he was never going to pity me. He was just going to listen," said Tan.

Producer Karen Pritzker added: "I am only sorry we're not in-person, and that Jamie isn't with us to celebrate.

"CODA," the heartwarming indie drama about a teenage girl struggling to support her deaf family, scooped the Sundance film festival's top prize Tuesday, while musician Questlove won documentary honors with his debut.

"CODA," the heartwarming indie drama about a teenage girl struggling to support her deaf family, scooped the Sundance film festival's top prize Tuesday, while musician Questlove won documentary honors with his debut. Taking its title from an acronym for child of deaf adult, "CODA" follows a high-school student (Emilia Jones) who is torn between pursuing her passion for music, and staying home to help her deaf parents and brother. Apple purchased the film early in the US festival after a rapturous online response and an intense bidding war between distributors -- reportedly shelling out a Sundance record of $25 million. "I'm so excited, I'm so moved -- I want to try to sign and talk at the same time but it's hard," said director Sian Heder, accepting the award remotely. "CODA" is based on French 2014 comedy "La Famille Belier," transplanted to the US fishing town of Gloucester by Massachusetts native Heder ("Orange is the New Black.") Both Heder and Jones learned to use sign language for the film, which features several prominent deaf actors in lead roles including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin ("Children of a Lesser God.") The film also won the top Sundance audience award, and prizes for directing and ensemble cast. Musician Questlove's first movie "Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)," about the huge "Black Woodstock" festival that took place in 1969 Harlem, won jury and audience prizes for best documentary. The film uses never-before-seen footage of the star-studded concert which was attended by 300,000 people and featured Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson, but has largely been lost to history until now. "Hive," about a woman fending for herself in patriarchal war-torn Kosovo, took world cinema drama prizes, while foreign documentary went to "Flee" -- an animation about a child refugee from Afghanistan, bought mid-festival by "Parasite" distributor NEON. Top indie film festival Sundance was co-founded by Robert Redford and is typically held at Park City in the mountains of western state Utah. But it took place largely online this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with all 72 feature films making their premieres via online streaming. One of the final movies to feature Tuesday was "Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir," a documentary about the author of bestselling Chinese-American immigrant novel "The Joy Luck Club." It was directed by Redford's son James, a filmmaker and activist who died in October aged 58 from bile-duct cancer with the movie largely completed. "He was somebody I trusted so much... I felt he was never going to judge me, he was never going to pity me. He was just going to listen," said Tan. Producer Karen Pritzker added: "I am only sorry we're not in-person, and that Jamie isn't with us to celebrate.

Deaf drama 'CODA' and Questlove documentary win at Sundance Film Festival

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