Paul Raci, an Oscar-nominated actor for his role in the film "Sound of Metal," in which he portrays a counselor for a drug addict who has lost his hearing, says the most common reaction he receives from deaf individuals regarding the film is, "How wonderful it is to portray a group of deaf addicts!" He added in an interview, "It seems a bit strange, but they are happy that you are presenting them in a way that makes them look normal like you and me, with the same problems."
**Best Picture Award Hope**
Supporters of the idea hope that the acclaim for "Sound of Metal," which is nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, alongside other films, will lead to more films about people with disabilities.
**Inclusion of Women, Black Individuals, and Others**
The lack of representation of women, Black individuals, and other groups in Hollywood films has been a hot topic in recent years. Film studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, have taken steps to increase the presence of these groups both in front of and behind the camera. Activists aim for these efforts to include people with disabilities of all kinds.
**Film Storyline**
"Sound of Metal" stars Riz Ahmed, who plays Ruben Stone, a drummer who suddenly loses his hearing. Over four years of recovery from addiction, Stone goes to a facility for the deaf run by Joe, a character portrayed by Raci.
Raci, 73, grew up with deaf parents, and American Sign Language was the first language he learned. Riz Ahmed is nominated for the Best Actor award for his role in this film. Raci expressed that his background and upbringing among the deaf helped him in his performance and hoped that "Sound of Metal" would pave the way for deaf actors.
