VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 30: Anthony Mackie walks the red carpet ahead of the "Seberg" screening during the 76th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 30, 2019 in Venice, Italy. Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Actor and producer Anthony Mackie will host the 2021 ESPYS in New York, New York this July. Mackie will help lead the celebration as the sports world honors the past year's most outstanding performances and inspiring stories.
"I'm excited to be hosting this year's ESPYS and to celebrate the gift that sports have been this past year," Mackie said.
"They have allowed us to cheer on our favorite teams and athletes together at a time when many felt so alone. As an avid sports fan myself, I can't wait to meet some of my favorite athletes and celebrate their accomplishments!"
Mackie is not a surprising choice given his relationship with ESPN's parent company, Disney. Mackie has starred in several Marvel films as The Falcon. Most recently, he helped lead the Disney+ series, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, alongside Sebastian Stan. Moving forward, he is positioned to take on the role of Captain America.
In addition to announcing this year's host, ESPN also shared this year's slate of nominees. Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, tennis star Naomi Osaka, UFC Champion Amanda Nunes and Lewis Hamilton are among this year's nominees. Also, 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball and Heisman Trophy Winner DeVonta Smith will make their first appearances at the sports award show. The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and the Pat Tillman Award for Service will be presented as well.
The 2021 ESPYS are set to take place on July 10 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 at the Seaport in New York City. The event will be broadcast on ESPN's family of networks.
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