Basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, added to a basketball trophy haul that includes five NBA titles and the 2008 MVP award by winning an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Bryant starred in a six-minute film titled ‘Dear Basketball’, an animated version of the letter he wrote to The Players’ Tribune to announce his NBA retirement in 2015.
He shared the award with his director and illustrator Glen Keane, who put together the film.
In his short acceptance speech, Bryant took a shot at Fox News pundit Laura Ingraham, mentioning her “shut up and dribble” remarks about Cleveland Cavaliers superstar, LeBron James.
“As basketball players, we’re really supposed to shut up and dribble, but I’m glad we’re doing a bit more than that,” Bryant said. “Thank you, Academy, for this amazing honour.”
‘Garden Party’, ‘Lou’, ‘Negative Space’ and ‘Revolting Rhymes’ were also nominated for Best Animated Short Film.
Kobe, 39, spent his entire 20-year career with Los Angeles Lakers before retiring following the 2015-16 season.
