Dear Basketball won an Oscar for Best Short Film.
We all have fond memories of Kobe Bryant and his basketball career. But did you know he is also an Oscar winner? Here’s the story
ESPN
On Thanksgiving Weekend in 2015, and during his 20th season in the NBA, Kobe penned a letter in The Players Tribune announcing that the 2015-16 season would be his last. The letter was called “Dear Basketball,” and he wrote about the game he loved.
When Kobe retired, he formed Granity Studio, and the studio made “Dear Basketball” into a short film. Bryant was the executive producer, and Glen Keane directed the film. Keane had plenty of experience, having worked on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin. Bryant turned to John Williams, a well-known and respected composer (e.g., Jaws), to score the film. Bryant did the narration.
A powerful and emotional piece, the film was released in April 2017, a year after Kobe retired. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences recognized it with an Oscar for Best Short film. In Bryant’s acceptance speech, he thanked his wife and daughters, saying, “I love you with all my heart” in Italian (Ti amo con tutto il mio cuore). Those who followed Bryant’s life know he lived in Italy as a kid while his dad, Joe, played pro basketball there.
I have seen and loved the film. For those who haven’t viewed it, find it here, courtesy of YouTube.
I have watched a lot of Kobe Bryant games and highlights and I never knew this. Great little short movie. I think it’s awesome that Kobe got an Oscar. I love this article! Thank you Matthew Paris for sharing this story.