The Silent Child took home an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. The movie surrounds a 4-year-old deaf girl who lives her life in silence until a social worker teaches her how to communicate using British Sign Language.
Rachel Shenton, who wrote and starred in the film, went up to accept the award alongside her fiancé Chris Overton, who directed the short.
Before delivering her speech, the 30-year-old actor issued this disclaimer: "I made a promise to our six-year-old lead actress that if we won, I’d sign this speech, but my hands are shaking.”
And then without hesitation, Rachel shared a beautiful message of appreciation, both verbally and physically using British Sign Language.
Rachel Shenton signs her acceptance speech as she attempts to spread awareness about deafness through her short film, The Silent Child. #Oscars https://t.co/WZlzqKh3Hl
It was amazing to watch for so many reasons. It was powerful to watch the deaf community finally be included on such a huge platform.
And because I've always be interested in learning American Sign Language, it was honestly just an incredible thing to experience.
But Rachel Shenton wasn't just giving me the feels. She actually emotionally touched viewers across the country:
The Silent Child acceptance speech in sign language has me in tears. REPRESENTATION MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!! #Oscars90
YAYAYAYAY!! "The Silent Child" produced by @RachelShenton just won an Oscar. Sign Language at the #Oscars once again!!!!! SO PROUD of you Rachel!!!!!!!!!
This speech in sign language is the purest thing ever #Oscars2018
THANK YOU @RachelShenton FOR RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE DEAF!!!! AND USING SIGN LANGUAGE! Congratulations!!!! #TheOscars2018
FAST FACT: @RachelShenton SIGNED IN BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE during #TheOscars2018 I love it!!! AND YES, THERE ARE OVER 300 SIGN LANGUAGES WORLDWIDE
the girl using sign language in the #oscars , a true icon. (their parents sold cupcakes so they could make the movie ???? God, i need to watch a silent child)
Rachel gave us a LOOK and sign language. Good for her.
sign language on the oscars!!!! during an acceptance speech for a movie starring a deaf child!!!!!! deaf representation!!!!!!!!!!
rachel shenton's sign language speech was so important #oscars #yosender
Oscar winners to incorporate sign language into their acceptance speech: Louise Fletcher @Janefonda Marlee Matlin and now, Rachel Shenton #Oscars
Love that Rachel Shenton from The Silent Child used sign language to make her acceptance speech more accessible. #oscars
okay rachel shenton using sign language in her acceptance speech actuALLY HAS ME CRYING DONT LOOK AT ME