Held in Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on 11 July, the annual ESPY Awards celebrate the best players, teams and moments in the sports world.
While American football player Lamar Jackson won 'Best Play' for catching his own pass, and gymnast Simone Biles took home 'Best Comeback Athlete', Prince Harry made a surprise appearance as the chosen recipient of the 'Pat Tillman Award for Service' thanks to his creation of the Invictus Games.
"No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind."
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
-Prince Harry after accepting the Pat Tillman Award for Service ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8VBXBggYP4
The Duke of Sussex, who served with the British military for 10 years, created the Games in 2014, serving as an international platform that supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries.
On the night, he accepted the trophy from three service veterans who were injured during their tours of duty. In his speech, he insisted that he was accepting the award on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and those working behind the scenes: "This award belongs to them, not to me."
The Pat Tillman Award is named after a young American football player who gave up his sports career to enlist in the United States Army in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Tragically, he was killed in action just two years later.
Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, had criticized ESPN’s choice of Harry as the recipient, explaining that there were many people in the veteran community who would have been more fitting.
In his speech, Harry addressed the Tilman family in his speech, with a special mention of Mary: "Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect," he said. "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
Prince Harry is the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
The Duke of Sussex founded The Invictus Games, an international platform that supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries. pic.twitter.com/M3F3Rmft4j
The awards ceremony was star-studded with sporting legends, actors, and comedians in attendance as well as a rare public appearance from Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
Supporting her husband, Markle dazzled in the Giuseppe Dress from LA-brand Staud's Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection. The relaxed high cowl halter gown is made in the shade of 'faded daisy'.
The activist and former actress accessorised the crepe dress with a pair of strappy black heels, diamond earrings, a gold bangle and some statement rings. She kept her make-up simple and pulled her locks into a sleek and simple up-do
Tennis icon Serena Williams was also in attendance, making multiple outfit changes throughout the night during her hosting duties with some presenting appearances from sister Venus Williams.
Walking the red carpet with Markle, Serena shone in a full-length red 'fish scale' dress with feather detailing from Italian brand, Ferragamo.
Elsewhere on the red carpet, Euphoria actor Colman Domingo looked sharp in Louis Vuitton, while Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley shone in Elie Saab.
Click through the red carpet gallery above to see the red carpet looks.
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