Washington: Sportsperson-turned-filmmaker Kobe Bryant has been denied the membership to Oscar’s Film Academy, despite his recent Oscar win.
The American basketball player was recommended for membership by the executive committee of ‘Short films and Feature animation branch’ of Academy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The sports legend won the Oscar in February for the best animated short film for his autobiographical piece, ‘Dear Basketball’. He wrote, lent his voice, and executive produced the film.
The reason cited behind the denial was that Bryant does not possess enough merit to be included in the body as ‘Dear Basketball’ was his first venture, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
However, there are speculations that his controversial past could have been the reason too.
Bryant was accused of sexual assault, fifteen years ago. Later, the case was dropped.
This decision could have come in the wake of #MeToo era, many people speculate.
(ANI)