Los Angeles is buzzing with Oscars excitement this weekend. Sports movies don’t always dominate the awards, but they have produced some unforgettable moments, especially when the Oscars recognize the incredible stories behind the individual journey of an athlete.
Athlete involvement at the Oscars
Probably the most recognizable athlete to ever be a protagonist at the Oscars is Kobe Bryant, who won the award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018.
However, whether playing exaggerated versions of themselves or completely unexpected roles, these sports legends have left their mark in Hollywood. Do you have a favorite one?
Brett Favre – There’s Something About Mary (1998)
In this hit rom-com, Cameron Diaz’s character Mary has a long list of admirers, but few expected NFL legend Brett Favre to be one of them.
The Green Bay Packers quarterback plays himself in an awkward love-triangle moment, only to be rejected in favor of the film’s underdog hero. The cameo is both unexpected and hilarious, making it a fan favorite.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
In this NASCAR comedy starring Will Ferrell, Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes a quick but hilarious appearance. As Ferrell’s character signs autographs, Earnhardt Jr. fights through the crowd to get one, then whispers, “Don’t tell the other drivers”.
Lance Armstrong – Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Before his fall from grace, Lance Armstrong had one of the most motivational cameos ever. He plays himself, running into Vince Vaughn’s character at the airport and delivering an inspiring speech that convinces him not to quit.
Given Armstrong’s later doping scandal, the scene hasn’t aged well, but at the time, it was pure gold.
Hines Ward – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver doesn’t have any lines in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, but his moment is unforgettable.
Ward returns a kickoff for a touchdown, only to turn around and see the field collapsing behind him in a massive explosion. It’s one of the most visually striking moments in the film.
Michael Irvin – The Longest Yard (2005)
The NFL Hall of Famer plays Deacon Moss, a dominant wide receiver in this prison football comedy. Initially refusing to join Adam Sandler’s team of inmates, he later becomes their star player.
Lee Trevino – Happy Gilmore (1996)
Golf legend Lee Trevino has one of the most subtle yet iconic cameos ever. Throughout Happy Gilmore, he appears multiple times, shaking his head disapprovingly at Adam Sandler’s antics.
Then, in one of the film’s most quoted moments, he delivers the line, “Grizzly Adams did have a beard”. Simple, but unforgettable.
Dan Marino – Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino plays himself in this wacky Jim Carrey classic. Kidnapped as part of the film’s wild plot, Marino ends up being rescued by Ace Ventura, just in time to lead the Dolphins in the Super Bowl.
Mike Tyson – The Hangover (2009)
Mike Tyson’s cameo in The Hangover is legendary. An athlete cameo worthy of the Oscars. Playing himself, he surprises the main characters in their hotel suite, knocks out one of them with a signature punch, and later sings along to Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight.
Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Wilt Chamberlain – Conan the Destroyer (1984)
Before Arnold Schwarzenegger was a Hollywood megastar, he starred as Conan the Barbarian. In the sequel, he faces off against NBA great Wilt Chamberlain, who plays a towering warrior.
Their battle is epic, and seeing two giants from different worlds clash on-screen is a moment for the ages.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Airplane! (1980)
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar plays Roger Murdock, a co-pilot in this classic comedy. Initially pretending to be a regular pilot, he eventually gets called out by a young passenger, leading to one of the funniest exchanges in movie history.
The surreal, deadpan humor of the scene has made it a lasting favorite.
Athlete cameos and the Oscars, a delightful duo
Athlete cameos have become a beloved part of movie history, sometimes hilarious, sometimes surprising, but always memorable, like The Oscars.
Hollywood, the Oscars, and Athlete cameos
Hollywood and sports have always had a unique crossover, and these cameos prove that sometimes, an athlete’s best moment isn’t on the field, it’s on the big screen.