LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin will be presented with a Humanitarian Award by the Location Managers Guild International, honoring her advocacy on behalf of the deaf and hearing impaired, the guild announced Monday.

"The LMGI proudly salutes Marlee Matlin for her dedication, talent and the impact that she has had on enlightening the world to the deaf and hearing-impaired community," LMGI President John Rakich said in a statement. "Her powerful performances in both motion pictures and television demonstrates her understanding, compassion and support for this special group, and we honor her enthusiasm, commitment and amazing achievements as a true humanitarian and an artist."

What You Need To Know

  • Marlee Matlin will be presented with a Humanitarian Award by the Location Managers Guild International
  • Matlin's efforts have led to all Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences screeners to include closed captions
  • Matlin will receive the honor Saturday during the virtual eighth annual LMGI Awards ceremony
  • The 56-year-old won a best actress Oscar for the 1986 film "Children of a Lesser God," becoming the only deaf performer to win the award

Matlin will receive the honor Saturday during the virtual eighth annual LMGI Awards ceremony. Actor Isaiah Mustafa will host the online ceremony.

Matlin, 56, won a best actress Oscar for the 1986 film "Children of a Lesser God," becoming the only deaf performer to win the award, as well as the youngest to be named best actress. More recently, she appeared in "Coda," which follows a hearing teenager who is the child of deaf adults. The film won four Sundance awards, including the grand jury prize. She is also an executive producer of the Oscar-nominated short film "Feeling Through," the first film to feature a deaf blind actor in a leading role.

Matlin's efforts to aid the deaf and hard of hearing communities has led to all Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences screeners to include closed captions, the passage of legislation to mandate ASL interpreters to be present at all COVID-19 news conferences, and organizing a public service announcement on how to vote.