In a media culture, there is no more significant barrier to the encouragement of girls and women to participate in sports and physical activity than the lack of portrayals of women in sports and coverage of their achievements. Conversely, a company or individual who positively portrays the accomplishments of girls and women in sports and physical activity can greatly influence the culture’s perception of the skills and capabilities of girls and women and consequently the opportunities they are afforded.
In recognition of media’s cultural impact and power to shape public opinion of female athletes, the Foundation created the Billie Awards in 2006. Named for the Foundation’s founder, Billie Jean King, the Billie Awards are a rich addition to the Foundation’s programming, which together help fulfill the Foundation’s mission to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity.
Please note that we will not be accepting nominations for 2010 at this time.
Billie Award Categories
Breakthrough And InnovationEntertainmentIndustry LeaderJournalismOutstanding Journalist
Breakthrough And Innovation Winners
Images and portrayals must challenge the status quo of women/girls as athletes. Historical and/or current work eligible.
| “Here I Am” – Nike, Advertising Campaign | | 2009 |
| "BoomBoom Tap" – Under Armour, Advertising Campaign | | 2008 |
| "MADE" Series of Episodes – MTV Networks, Produced by Francis Lyons and Robert Yacyshyn | | 2007 |
| “Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like?” – Game Face Productions, Jane Gottesman and Geoffrey Biddle | | 2006 |
Entertainment Winners
Based on insightful portrayal of women in sports, impact, originality and overall quality of work. Must have been aired, released and/or broadcast between January 2003 and December 2007.
| Chak De! India – Yash Raj Films, Produced by Aditya Chopra | | 2008 |
| The Heart of the Game – Miramax Films, Produced by Ward Serrill | | 2007 |
| Dare to Dream – HBO Sports, Produced by Ross Greenburg | | 2006 |
Industry Leader Winners
Individuals who have created an exemplary body of work that celebrates female athletes and/ or female participation in physical activity eligible.
| Dick Ebersol | | 2009 |
| Ross Greenburg | | 2007 |
| Bud Greenspan | | 2006 |
Journalism Winners
Based on insightful portrayal of women in sports, originality and overall quality of work. Must have been aired, broadcast or published between January 1- December 31, 2007.
| Mighty Macs – ESPN SportsCenter, Produced by Drew Gallagher | | 2009 |
| Sync or Swim – Produced by Cheryl Furjanic and Amanda Keropian | | 2009 |
| The Great Swim – Walker & Company, by Gavin Mortimer | | 2009 |
| Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports – Kathrine Switzer | | 2008 |
| Lady Caliphs – ESPN SportsCenter, Produced by Jon Fish and John Barr | | 2007 |
| Christine Brennan – USA Today | | 2006 |
Outstanding Journalist Winners
Women who have excelled in covering sports and become a role model in sports media are eligible.