Portland-based Blue Ox Films earns Emmy nominations for debut documentaries

Portland-based Blue Ox Films earns Emmy nominations for debut documentaries

Published 4:07 pm Thursday, May 21, 2026

A Portland-based film company is heading into the Emmy Awards with major momentum after both of its first feature-length documentaries landed nominations.

Blue Ox Films announced that its debut documentaries, “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds” and “We Beat the Dream Team,” were each nominated for Sports Emmy Awards.

The nominations mark a milestone for the young independent production company, which focuses on sports, culture and character-driven storytelling. The Emmy Awards, presented by the Television Academy, represent the highest level of recognition in television, celebrating excellence across storytelling, performance, and technical achievement.

“Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds” earned a nomination for Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary. Produced in partnership with Netflix, Higher Ground Productions and Supper Club, the documentary offers behind-the-scenes access to the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flight team.

Directed by Matt Wilcox with cinematography by Zach Osterhout, the film follows the elite pilots through rigorous training and performances while highlighting the personal sacrifices required to fly with the world-famous aerial demonstration squadron.

The documentary pairs sweeping aerial footage with intimate moments featuring the pilots and their families.

Meanwhile, “We Beat the Dream Team” received a nomination for Outstanding Sports Editing: Long Form.

Produced with HBO Max and NBA Entertainment, the documentary revisits the little-known story of the college select basketball team that defeated the legendary 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team” during a private scrimmage before the Barcelona Olympics.

Directed by Michael Tolajian and edited by Ken Mowe and Scott Ohashi, the film combines archival footage and interviews to reexamine one of basketball’s most famous untold stories.

The 47th Annual Sports Emmy Awards winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 26, followed by documentary category winners on Thursday, May 28.

Founded in Portland, Blue Ox Films produces documentaries, series and live event content for major streaming platforms and brands, with an emphasis on cinematic sports and cultural storytelling.