Los Angeles Times

How Yance Ford's historic 'Strong Island' Oscar nomination is a victory for more than trans filmmakers

On Oscar nominations morning, Yance Ford sat on his couch with his partner, Amanda, watching the telecast. One hundred seventy documentary features had qualified for consideration, and Ford's "Strong Island" had already made it to a pre-nominations shortlist of 15.

As announcement hosts Andy Serkis and Tiffany Haddish made their way to the documentary feature category, Ford, at the insistence of his social media manager, set up his phone to record what they hoped would be a memorable reaction if the film landed one of the five slots. And then it happened.

Ford jumps back in excitement and disbelief while Amanda squeals with joy. Both of their hands cup their mouths as

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