Viewers praise former Hollyoaks actress Rachel Shenton for delivering her Oscars victory speech in sign language after she made a promise to her deaf six-year-old British co-star in The Silent Child
British actress Rachel Shenton has been roundly praised for delivering her Oscars victory speech in sign language after she made a promise to her deaf six-year-old co-star.
The 30-year-old former Hollyoaks actress won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short for her film The Silent Child, which tells the story of a deaf child born into a hearing family.
Shenton wrote and starred in the movie and accepted the award with her fiancé and the film's director, Chris Overton. She was inspired to write the screenplay following her late father's battle with deafness.
As she took to the stage to give her speech, Shenton, who played Mitzeee Minniver in the Channel 4 soap from 2010 to 2013, signed for the hard-of-hearing audience members and for her film's six-year-old protagonist Maisie Sly.
Shenton's signed speech warmed the hearts of viewers across the world and led to much praise for her inclusive message on social media. 'My favourite moment of the night is @RachelShenton giving her acceptance speech using sign language. #Oscars,' one Twitter user wrote.
At the podium the former Hollyoaks star delivered her speech in British Sign Language because she promised to her film's protagonist Maisie Sly, 6, she would if the film took home gold
British actress Rachel Shenton, 30, won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short for her film The Silent Child along with her fiancé, the films director, Chris Overton
'I made a promise to our six-year-old lead actress that I'd sign this speech and my hands are shaking a bit so I apologize,' Shenton told the audience.
'Our movie is about a deaf child being born into a world of silence. It's not exaggerated or sensationalized for the movie. This is happening. Millions of children from all over the world live in silence and face communication barriers and particularly barriers to education,' she continued.
'Deafness is a silent disability. You can't see it and it's not life threatening so I want to say the biggest of thank yous to the Academy for allowing us to put this in front of a mainstream audience,' she said.
She previously revealed the emotional motivation behind writing the critically acclaimed film came from her late father Geoff, after he suddenly went profoundly deaf after receiving treatment for chemotherapy when she was 12.
She went on to become a qualified British Sign Language Interpreter and ambassador for the National Deaf Children's Society.
She said 'I made a promise to our six-year-old lead actress that I'd sign this speech and my hands are shaking a bit so I apologize'
Rachel, who played Mitzeee Minniver in the Channel 4 soap from 2010 to 2013, then shed light on her film and the millions of deaf children across the globe that 'live in silence and face communication barriers'
Little Maisie walked the red carpet hand in hand with Shenton and Overton. She and her parents are deaf and speak with British Sign Language.
She auditioned for the role after her parents replied to a post on Facebook, appealing for a deaf child who communicates entirely through sign language.
And while she did not join the couple to go up on stage and collect the award, Overton told BBC 5 live: 'When we won I could see her up there jumping up and down and that was surreal.
'But I think she's taken it all in her stride. She always said we'd win.'
In his acceptance speech, Overton, who played Hollyoaks cage fighter Liam McAllister in 2010, thanked his fiancée.
He said: 'It's really your hard work for the last 12 years that has really made this project authentic.'
He also also thanked their parents for helping to raise £1,000 towards the making of the film by making and selling cupcakes.
'My mum and dad made the cupcakes and Rachel's mum and her mum's partner Nigel sold them at their work,' he told BBC Breakfast this morning. 'We crowdfunded this all by ourselves and we had the support of so many people, but it was made on a shoestring.'
Shenton was first thrust into the limelight when she appeared as wannabe glamour model and WAG Mitzeee Minniver on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2010 to 2013.
Little Maisie with her proud parents Elizabeth and Gilson Sly before they found out she had been nominated for an Oscar
Sly plays a girl named Libby in the film who is taught how to sign by social worker Shenton
Sly, pictured above in the film The Silent Child, is deaf and communicates in British Sign Language
Following Shenton's touching signed speech, hundreds of viewers took to social media.
'Shoutout to @RachelShenton for simultaneously using sign language while giving her acceptance speech. That was so cool #oscars,' one fan said.
'Thank you @RachelShenton for signing your speech at the #oscars for #silentchild. Let this be a reminder that our movies and pictures still don't represent ALL bodies. Thank you for your inclusivity,' one user said.
'@jimmykimmel @RachelShenton deserves the jet ski!! Impressive to use sign language while giving your own acceptance speech! Thanks @RachelShenton! #ASL #Oscars2018,' Amy Fanale tweeted.
Shenton and Overton won the prestigious award after they fended off competition from short films DeKalb Elementary, The Eleven O'Clock, My Nephew Emmett, Watu Wote/All Of Us at the glittering ceremony.
Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Children's Society, said this morning that the Oscar win was an 'incredible achievement'.
She said: 'For deaf children across the globe, this film, its story, and its talented leading lady all show there is no limit to what deaf children can achieve.
'But more than that, The Silent Child shines a light on the challenges and injustices that too many deaf children experience as part of their daily lives. From issues with access to language or the means to communicate, to being let down and left behind in education, so many of the themes shown in this powerful short film are all too real for too many deaf children.'
Following Shenton's touching signed speech, hundreds of viewers took to social media.
'Shoutout to @RachelShenton for simultaneously using sign language while giving her acceptance speech. That was so cool #oscars,' one fan said.
'Thank you @RachelShenton for signing your speech at the #oscars for #silentchild. Let this be a reminder that our movies and pictures still don't represent ALL bodies. Thank you for your inclusivity,' one user said.
'@jimmykimmel @RachelShenton deserves the jet ski!! Impressive to use sign language while giving your own acceptance speech! Thanks @RachelShenton! #ASL #Oscars2018,' Amy Fanale tweeted.
Shenton and Overton won the prestigious award after they fended off competition from short films DeKalb Elementary, The Eleven O'Clock, My Nephew Emmett, Watu Wote/All Of Us at the glittering ceremony.
Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Children's Society, said this morning that the Oscar win was an 'incredible achievement'.
She said: 'For deaf children across the globe, this film, its story, and its talented leading lady all show there is no limit to what deaf children can achieve.
'But more than that, The Silent Child shines a light on the challenges and injustices that too many deaf children experience as part of their daily lives. From issues with access to language or the means to communicate, to being let down and left behind in education, so many of the themes shown in this powerful short film are all too real for too many deaf children.'
She added: 'Above all else, this film and the Oscar it has won show that when society, family and government reach out to support deaf children, there is nothing they cannot achieve.'
But Shenton is not the first person to sign at the prestigious awards ceremony.
In 1979, Jane Fonda signed part of her speech as she accepted the best actress award for 'Coming Home'.
And in 1976, Louise Fletcher signed to her deaf parents when she won best actress for 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'.
American actress Marlee Matlin also signed when she won best actress for 'Children Of A Lesser God' in 1987 - becoming the only deaf performer to have won the award. Oscar winners Shenton and Overton spoke to today's This Morning live from LA following the award ceremony.
Of the win not really sinking in, Rachel said: 'No I don't think it has. We were being serious when we were saying we're so honoured to be nominated, we really, really meant it.
'We've said all along, if this is where it ends, at the nomination, we're so happy with that and then they read out The Silent Child. We still can't believe it now.'
She added of accepting the award: 'I could see Maisie [Sly], I knew where she was sat with her mum. I knew where she was sat. I kept looking at her, but I didn't actually have my glasses on. I knew roughly where she sat but everybody looked a bit blobby, which probably helped actually with the nerves as I was terrified.' She added of accepting the award: 'I could see Maisie [Sly], I knew where she was sat with her mum. I knew where she was sat. I kept looking at her, but I didn't actually have my glasses on. I knew roughly where she sat but everybody looked a bit blobby, which probably helped actually with the nerves as I was terrified.'
Of what the win could do for them, Chris said: 'Hopefully it will open doors, but mainly for the message of the film and what it's done for deaf awareness.'
OSCAR WINNERS CONFESS THEY GOT BURGER ON STATUETTES
Oscar winners Rachel Shenton and Chris Overton spoke to today's This Morning live from LA where they revealed they accidentally got some In-N-Out burger on one of their statuettes.
The duo won for their short film The Silent Child and Rachel said of their celebrations: 'We did go to a party. We did a few interviews. We went in, got an In-N-Out burger and then went back to the flat where all of our crew were, had a cup of tea, had a bit of a celebration with them.'
Chris admitted: 'There's still a bit of tomato on one of the Oscars…'.
With Rachel confirmed: 'Chris got a bit of burger on his Oscar.'
Of the win not really sinking in, Rachel said: 'No I don't think it has. We were being serious when we were saying we're so honoured to be nominated, we really, really meant it. We've said all along, if this is where it ends, at the nomination, we're so happy with that and then they read out The Silent Child. We still can't believe it now.'
She added of accepting the award: 'I could see Maisie [Sly], I knew where she was sat with her mum. I knew where she was sat. I kept looking at her, but I didn't actually have my glasses on. I knew roughly where she sat but everybody looked a bit blobby, which probably helped actually with the nerves as I was terrified.'
The duo had the This Morning logo sewed into their outfits and after Chris flashed it on the red carpet host Phillip Schofield laughed: 'I love the fact that you showed it on the red carpet!'
The duo admitted they forgot to pick up the coveted goody bag. Rachel said: 'We were in a bit of a whirlwind, met our parents, met Maisie, made sure they were OK. We went to the Governors Ball to get our Oscars engraved. It was only when we left we were like, oh, we didn't get a goody bag. I actually don't know how we've done it!'
Of what the win could do for them, Chris said: 'Hopefully it will open doors, but mainly for the message of the film and what it's done for deaf awareness.'
Rachel added: 'We'd love to extend this story, either a feature film or longer drama. Hopefully it will help for that. It's a pretty decent proof of concept.'
Chris said: 'We need some time to go back home and just chill out. Maybe have a few days away.'
Rachel laughed: 'I don't how we're going to top this!'
Of where they'll keep the statuettes, Rachel said: 'On our bookshelf. It'll look a bit weird together…'.
This Morning weekdays, 10.30am on ITV
Maisie's road to the Oscars: Six-year-old schoolgirl star of The Silent Child is from four generations of deaf family and was propelled to fame after her parents responded to a Facebook advert from ex-Hollyoaks star
Millions of people tuned in to watch the stars of Tinseltown at the glittering Academy Awards ceremony but it was a six-year-old schoolgirl from Swindon who stole the hearts of viewers.
Maisie Sly starred in the Oscar-winning movie The Silent Child, having auditioned for the role after her parents replied to a post on Facebook appealing for a deaf child who communicates entirely through sign language.
She had never been on a plane before the screening of her film, let alone visited America - but now the six-year-old, who is the fourth generation of her family to be born deaf, has become a global superstar overnight.
Maisie's proud father Gilson Sly has now released a heartwarming video of the youngster's 'Road to the Oscars' showing her beaming alongside her siblings as she enjoys her first trip to Universal Studios in America.
Maisie, right with her parents Elizabeth and Gilson, her older brother Jack, eight, and younger sister Chloe, four. The family communicate using British Sign Language
Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton and Maisie Sly stole the evening at the 90th Annual Academy Awards, winning an Oscar for The Silent Child
She may be a leading lady but Maisie still has homework to do. She is pictured here in Los Angeles concentrating on her studies
Maisie, who was born profoundly deaf, was invited to the Los Angeles awards show after wowing critics and audiences with her performance in the short film The Silent Child - her first ever film role.
Maisie, who was born profoundly deaf, was invited to the Los Angeles awards show after wowing critics and audiences with her performance +40
Maisie, who was born profoundly deaf, was invited to the Los Angeles awards show after wowing critics and audiences with her performance
She sat in the audience alongside Hollywood heavyweights with her mother Elizabeth, who is also deaf.
Elizabeth met Maisie's father Gilson, 34, when he went along to play for a deaf football team managed by Elizabeth's brother.
Maisie, her older brother Jack, eight, and younger sister Chloe, four, all communicate by using British Sign Language (BSL).
Their great grandparents, grandparents and an uncle are all also deaf.
The family relocated from Cornwall to Swindon so the children could attend Red Oaks Primary School, a mainstream school with specialist support.
Maisie landed the film role after her father Gilson, 34, who is profoundly deaf in one ear and uses a hearing aid, responded to a Facebook advert looking for deaf four and five year olds.
Adorable photographs posted by her proud parents show Maisie doing her homework in Hollywood and excitedly attending a dress fitting ahead of the ceremony.
Maisie - who will turn seven this month - gave her father a big hug after her movie scooped the prize
The little trio cannot contain their glee as they make their way around Lose Angeles
Maisie plays Libby, a deaf child born into a hearing family who struggle to cope with her condition
The talented six-year-old communicates using British Sign Language
Written by former Hollyoaks star Rachel Shenton, the 20-minute film tells the story of a deaf girl born to hearing parents who struggle to cope with their daughter's condition.
Maisie plays Libby, a deaf child born into a hearing family who struggle to cope with her condition.
She later finds solace when a social worker, played by Shenton, teaches her sign language, which she had not been taught in mainstream school.
Shenton, whose fiance Chris Overton directed the project, wrote the film after seeing the struggles faced by her father when he went deaf during her childhood.
The pair held a nationwide search and auditioned 100 children before Maisie, who had never acted before, won the role.
The short film is now in more than 600 cinemas in the US.
As she took to the stage to give her thanks, Rachel, who played Mitzeee Minniver in the Channel 4 soap from 2010 to 2013, signed for the hard-of-hearing audience members and for her film's six-year-old protagonist Maisie Sly.Maisie's performance was hailed as 'magnetic' and 'brilliant' by critics.
Mr Sly said: 'Watching the film was incredibly emotional, we both feel so proud of Maisie and how she has taken it all in her stride, and stayed the same person.
Maisie's performance was hailed as 'magnetic' and 'brilliant' by critics
'Maisie was pretty cool about the nomination, it's her natural way. I'm not too sure there are many six year old girls that fully understand the magnitude of Oscars.'
Speaking after her incredible win, Shenton described the moment she collected her award.
She said: 'I could see Maisie, I knew where she was sat with her mum. I knew where she was sat. I kept looking at her, but I didn't actually have my glasses on.
'I knew roughly where she sat but everybody looked a bit blobby, which probably helped actually with the nerves as I was terrified.'
The British soap stars are best known for playing Mitzeee Minniver and Liam McAllister in Hollyoaks.
They fended off competition from short films DeKalb Elementary, The Eleven O'Clock, My Nephew Emmett, Watu Wote/All Of Us at the glittering ceremony.
Shenton said: 'Our movie is about a deaf child being born into a world of silence.
'It's not exaggerated or sensationalised for the movie, this is happening, millions of children all over the world live in silence and face communication barriers and particularly access to education.'
Chris added: 'Hopefully [the Oscar] will open doors, but mainly for the message of the film and what it's done for deaf awareness.'
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