Kobe Bryant's shocking and sudden death has had an impact on all facets of the entertainment world.
Kobe Bryant's shocking and sudden death has had an impact on all facets of the entertainment world.
After the GRAMMYs quickly put together a tribute to the late NBA star after he died in a helicopter crash earlier that morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences says it plans to acknowledge Bryant during the 2020 Oscars ceremony taking place on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. In a statement to ET, the Academy said, "We can confirm that Kobe Bryant will be acknowledged in the telecast."
Producers from the awards show revealed on Wednesday that the legendary NBA star will be remembered during the In Memoriam segment.
"I think the In Memoriam segment has always been an important part of the show and this year is no different in that we're honoring all of our community that we've lost," producer Stephanie Allain explained. "I think what's really appropriate is that Kobe was part of the film community, and as such, he will be embraced within the In Memoriam segment."
Although Bryant was, of course, best known for his iconic NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker, he is also an Oscar winner. He won the Best Animated Short Oscar in 2018 for his autobiographical short, Dear Basketball, which he wrote to pay homage to his love for the game upon retiring after 20 years in the NBA.
ET actually spoke with Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, on the red carpet before his Oscar win in March 2018, and he called the whole experience "surreal."
"Never in my wildest dreams did I feel we'd be here at the Oscars nominated for an Oscar," he admitted. "That's insane."
A moment of silence was held for Bryant at the 2020 Oscars Nominees Luncheon that took place at the Dolby Theatre. The Academy also Instagrammed a picture of Bryant proudly posing with his Oscar.
"They doubted a kid could make it in the NBA and he proved them wrong," the caption reads. "They doubted he could win a championship and he proved them wrong. They doubted he could make movies and he won an Oscar. Like all great artists, Kobe Bryant proved the doubters wrong. Rest in peace."
Bryant was just 41 years old when he died. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the crash alongside seven others. After the tragic deaths, the NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers game that was supposed to take place at the Staples Center. Bryant's close friend and fellow basketball icon, LeBron James -- who currently plays for the Lakers -- was seen crying as he arrived at LAX airport with other members of the team.
"The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday," the NBA said in a statement on Monday.
A source with the Lakers told ET that everyone in the organization is still deeply grieving Bryant's death.
"We are glad the league is postponing the game," the source said. "It’s not just the players hurting. Kobe was here for two decades and is like family to everyone in the building. No one is OK."
The source added that the Lakers brought in grief counselors for employees and team players, and that the counselors will be available for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, there is still no information on a memorial or funeral for Bryant.
For more on how Bryant's many celebrity friends and fans have been mourning him, watch the video below:
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