ESPYS 2008 Preview

For one night every year, the biggest stars in sports and Hollywood come together for the ESPYS. We got the scoop on the award show that JT's hosting!

The ESPYS

The ESPYS were started in 1993 by the super sports TV network ESPN. It honors some of the best plays and players of the year. The winners of each category are chosen by the fans. The ESPYS is done in a fun MTV Awards-type program, where there are funny skits, music and lots and lots of celebrities. This is the one night, where some of Hollywood's biggest stars meet up with some of the sports world's most famous stars. Every year, a big star hosts the event. In recent years people like Jaimee Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, LeBron James and Lance Armstrong have hosted the ESPYS. Last year, LeBron hosted it and made his intro by doing a hilarious song and dance while in an '80s costume!

The Awards

The awards at the ESPYS range from fun, silly awards to emotionally moving serious awards. Here are a few of some of the noteworthy awards.

Arthur Ashe Courage Award - Presented to a sports-related person or persons who make the most significant humanitarian contribution much like the person who the award was named after, the late tennis great, Arthur Ashe.

Best Play Award - Given to the person who made the most exciting sports play of the year.

Best Sports Movie Award - Given to the best sports-related film of that year.

Outstanding Team Award - Presented to the best team, college or pro, for that given year.

2008 ESPYS

The 2008 ESPYS promises to be an exciting show. Music and movie superstar, Justin Timberlake, will host this year's show in L.A on Sunday, July 20. JT has hosted Saturday Night Live and is a funny guy, plus he's a big sports fan, so he is a good choice. Aside from JT, some of the big names expected to attend or present are Venus Williams, Kobe Bryant, Danica Patrick, David Ortiz Candace Parker, Sophia Bush, Jet Li, Steve Nash, Zac Efron, David Beckham, among others.

Did U Know?

Tiger Woods has won a record 18 ESPYS.

Samuel L. Jackson has hosted the ESPYS a record three times.

One of the more intriguing categories in Best Upset, with the New York Giants, Appalachian State Football, Fresno State Baseball and horse racing’s Da’Tara vying for the honors.

Can Blake Hoffarber pull off the double? The nominee for Best Play is trying to get his second ESPY in that category. He won one for his play in high school in 2005.

For the general public, the ESPYS cost $100 a ticket.

The 411

For the fifth consecutive year, fans will determine the winners of 37 categories. But if your gonna vote, your gonna have to hurry! Voting ends July 12, so log on to www.espys.tv to cast your vote. You can watch the ESPYS live on July 20, at 9pm Easter Time on ESPN.

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