Children of a Lesser God

Children of a Lesser God is a 1986 film which tells the story of a sign language teacher who falls in love with a deaf woman. It stars William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper Laurie and Philip Bosco.

The movie was adapted by Hesper Anderson and James Carrington (uncredited) from the play by Mark Medoff. It was directed by Randa Haines.

It won the Academy Award for Best Actress (Marlee Matlin) and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (William Hurt), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Piper Laurie), Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

Marlee Matlin is the youngest actress to receive the Best Actress Oscar. She is deaf in real life.