On October 6 , 2009 , ESPN premiered '' 30 for 30 '' , a 30-hour series produced by ESPN Films that debuted in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the cable network 's launch . Among those participating in the project included Spike Lee , Richard Linklater , Barry Levinson and Mike Tollin . The series , which earned Peabody and Producer 's Guild Awards and was nominated for an Emmy , featured thoughtful and innovative reflections on the previous three decades in sports told through a diverse array of sports fans and social commentators . Positive reaction from both critics and viewers led to a spin-off '' 30 for 30 : Volume II '' . ESPN took its first ever Academy Award when '' O.J. : Made in America '' film won in the category of Best Documentary Feature at the 2017 Oscars
2017 Oscars
89th Academy Awards
ESPN Films