Kobe Bryant’s Journey to Winning an Oscar

The 2018 Academy Awards ceremony was marked by a remarkable event – Kobe Bryant was awarded an Oscar for his 2017 animated short film, “Dear Basketball”. The film was based on an emotional poem he wrote to the sport when he announced his retirement, and he lent his voice acting, writing, and producing talents to the project, in partnership with animator and director Glen Keane. When their names were called at the 90th Academy Awards, Bryant expressed his shock and awe at the honor during his acceptance speech. He thanked the Academy and others, and ended with a sweet message to his family in Italian. This was a historic win, as Bryant was the first professional basketball player and the first Black person to win in the Best Animated Short Film category!