Recently, Kobe Bryant’s animated short film Dear Basketball has officially been named among the final ten contenders for Best Animated Short at the 90th Academy Awards, as confirmed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In a year full of major sporting events, from the NBA to every Bangladesh Cricket Match, Kobe’s artistic turn stands out as a unique crossover between sports and cinema.
Originally debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival, Dear Basketball was immediately praised as an Oscar-worthy contender. It later received critical acclaim at the Hollywood Film Festival, where insiders hailed it for both its emotional storytelling and technical brilliance. From a field of 63 outstanding entries, the short made the top 10 shortlist, advancing to the final voting round before the five nominees are selected. The official Oscar nominations will be revealed on January 23, with the awards ceremony taking place on March 4. But before that, fans will witness another historic moment—Kobe’s jersey retirement ceremony at the Lakers’ home court on December 19.
This animated short is more than just a film—it’s a deeply personal farewell letter from one of basketball’s greatest icons. It captures Kobe’s journey from a wide-eyed boy with a dream to a five-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend. The animation, directed by Disney veteran Glen Keane, uses hand-drawn pencil sketches to bring Kobe’s story to life, emphasizing the raw emotion and enduring legacy of his 20-year career.
Adding even more star power, legendary composer John Williams—winner of five Oscars and nominated over 49 times—stepped away from scoring Star Wars for two full weeks to compose the music for Dear Basketball. Kobe himself narrated the film, infusing it with a heartfelt tone that resonates deeply. He later shared that animation has the power to express emotion in ways live-action simply can’t, saying the emotional impact rivaled that of winning an NBA title.
Reflecting on his collaboration with Williams, Kobe revealed he had long admired the composer. During his comeback from an Achilles injury, Kobe famously walked onto the court to the sound of The Imperial March from Star Wars, saying, “That day, I needed John Williams to remind me who I was. The Black Mamba was back, and that music brought my spirit home.”
Just as every Bangladesh Cricket Match carries its own storyline and passion, Dear Basketball tells a tale of grit, dreams, and saying goodbye with grace. Kobe hoped that by bringing Williams on board, he could match the perfection of the maestro’s music with the passion he gave to the game. As the world continues to tune in to events like the Bangladesh Cricket Match, this short film reminds us that legends can live on—far beyond the court.