Lakers legend Kobe Bryant might have won an Oscar, but that doesn’t mean he will be allowed into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy recently rescinded an invite they had extended to him.
Via Variety:
Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant may have an Oscar to show for his and director Glen Keane’s animated short film “Dear Basketball,” but he won’t be granted entry into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Individuals who win an Academy Award or are nominated for one are often considered for inclusion in the organization, which numbered more than 8,000 members at most recent count. Bryant was considered as well, and the Academy’s Short Films and Feature Animation branch actually voted in the affirmative to admit him into the branch.
However, the Academy’s governors committee overruled the decision and rescinded the invitation, Variety has confirmed. Though the branch, through governor Bill Kroyer, argued that Bryant has expressed a desire to work in the short films space, the committee felt the Los Angeles Lakers legend needed to show evidence of a larger career in the field before being allowed to represent it as a member of the organization.
Wonder if this has anything to do with that pesky Colorado rehab visit? It appears as if there are a few people who still remember.
