30 for 30 | 7th Hashtag Sports Awards

30 for 30

ESPN Films

The 7th Annual Awards

Nominee ✨
  • Best Original Film or Series: Long-Form

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ABOUT THIS ENTRY

30 for 30 celebrates its fifteenth anniversary with an outstanding selection of films that provides deeper looks at the emotional ways games and players become a defining part of our lives. These subjects range from the fallout of a devastating urban riot to stories about innovators who redefine the limits of sport and competition – and the often-heavy toll it takes on those who devote their lives to their craft.

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How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

30 for 30 enjoyed one of the most acclaimed and innovative seasons in its illustrious history. It managed to add new dimensions to what was already a profound legacy of transformational sports storytelling, and awakened audiences’ imaginations to what else might be possible. It is always a tremendous challenge to simultaneously maintain and grow a successful storytelling imprint, yet this slate manages to do exactly that in spectacular fashion.

The 30 for 30 series has become the gold standard for storytelling within sports, setting a high bar that audiences have come to expect. This season reflects that commitment to excellence and quality storytelling more than ever. By leveraging both the catalog of films in the 30 for 30 library as well as the newly produced fresh content, 30 for 30 was able to add new distribution touchpoints to reach different types of viewers in their favorite streaming habitat. By creating and maintaining films for all audiences and finding new distribution platforms, 30 for 30 set a new standard for reach in modern media.

Objective

While each installment of the series is a unique creative achievement, there is a connecting aim that unites every 30 for 30. Each story delves into the complexities of the human experience – exploring facets like race, gender, religion, sexuality, politics, power, love, hate, and identity. Together, these stories push the boundaries of how we see sports, inviting both storytellers and viewers to expand their perspectives.

Strategy & Execution

A hallmark of_ 30 for 30_ has always been its impact and diversity in storytelling, with filmmakers from varied backgrounds bringing fresh perspectives to the screen - and _30 for 30_ has established its place at the crossroads of sports and culture, thanks to these collaborations with visionary filmmakers and the diverse, original ideas they bring forward. The approach is driven by the demands of each story, not confined to a specific format. The connective thread is storytelling of the highest integrity - one that has rightfully engendered the deepest levels of trust and acceptance from a discerning audience.


Reaching these heights required a diverse slate of films and subjects, brought to life by a range of filmmakers from equally varied backgrounds. There was a consistent aim to broaden the scope of what constitutes sport and competition, but throughout that evolution, the ultimate North Star remained the same: stories about _people_, the human beings who breathe life into the games and moments we care about so much. This creative diversity fulfills the ultimate promise to fans and viewers: to push the boundaries of storytelling in ways that resonate and fully, deeply matter.

Organizations

  • ESPN Films

Credits

Heather Anderson
Executive Producer
ESPN Films

Marsha Cooke
Executive Producer
ESPN Films

Brian Lockhart
Executive Producer
ESPN Films

Burke Magnus
Executive Producer
ESPN Films

Gentry Kirby
Senior Producer
ESPN Films

Carolyn Hepburn
Producer
ESPN Films

Catherine Sankey
Line Producer
ESPN Films

Gus Navarro
Associate Producer
ESPN Films

Isabella Seman
Associate Producer
ESPN Films

Diamante McKelvie
Production Assitant
ESPN Films

Anthony Salas
Production Assisntant
ESPN Films

Jeff Arias
Post Production Editor
ESPN Films

Shawn Howard
Post Production Editor
ESPN Film

Chantre Camack
Talent Producer
ESPN Films

Azim Lateef
Talent Producer
ESPN Films

Maria Delgado
Production Manager
ESPN Films

Jennifer Thorpe
Production Manager
ESPN Films

Sheena Williams
Production Manager
ESPN Films

Kati Fernandez
Content Development
ESPN Films

Andrea Gomez-Carrillo
Content Development
ESPN Films

Phil Guidry
Content Development
ESPN Films

Tara Nadolny
Content Development
ESPN Films

Cynthia Paribello
Content Development
ESPN Films

Jasmine Pender
Content Development
ESPN Films

Libby Geist
Producer
Words & Pictures

Cora Atkinson
Producer
Words & Pictures

Marquis Daisy
Senior Producer
ESPN Films

Celebrate in NYC

Join us for the 7th Annual Hashtag Sports Awards™ on the evening of June 24, 2025 as we celebrate finalists and reveal the winners of this year's awards live during the show.

 

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