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City of Duluth and Councilor Mayou to host celebration party for Daniel Durant

[Duluth, MN] Tonight, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and City Councilor Mike Mayou will host a celebration party for Daniel Durant and the success of his best-picture Oscar-winning performance in the film CODA. The event will be hosted at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center in the Ice Cube, located in the exact location as the box office inside of AMSOIL Arena.

"Much like many other Duluthians, I was so excited to see Daniel Durant and the CODA team win the Oscar for Best Picture last weekend," City Councilor Mike Mayou said. "CODA was one of my favorite movies in 2021 and was groundbreaking for its cast of deaf actors and the use of American Sign Language. I was honored and excited to help organize tonight's event to honor Daniel and give him the local spotlight for his incredible accomplishments."

Daniel Durant was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. His moms live here today. Daniel attended Lowell Elementary School, where he discovered his love for theater and creative expression through programming from the Duluth Children's Museum in collaboration with the Duluth Playhouse. In 1999, he starred in A Nurse, A Child, and a Bear.

"We are so proud to be the home of the very talented actor Danial Durant. From our (UMFO) perspective, seeing a smaller independent project like CODA be recognized at the Oscars is important," Shari Marshik, Executive Director of the Upper Midwest Film Office, said. "Daniel's success is a beacon for others from the Northland to see the possibilities in the industry. We are working hard to be able to host more films like CODA so talented people can live, work, and thrive right here in Duluth. "

Mayor Emily Larson will present Mr. Durant with a proclamation at the event. A portion of the proclamation reads:

"Duluth is a storytelling city with a deep commitment and history of supporting the arts, and we love to celebrate people's successes; and

Each of us is a reflection of who and where we're from. Before you were the world's, you were ours. Duluth is so proud of you and thrilled that millions of people around the world now know of your work."

Mayor Larson will pronounce April 4, 2022, as Daniel Durant Day in the City of Duluth.

The event is open to the public. All are welcome to attend.

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