The 32nd Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala recently graced Los Angeles with an inspiring celebration of faith-driven storytelling in film and television. This star-studded event, which aired on Great American Family and is now available on Pure Flix, honored Christian entertainers who are dedicated to uplifting audiences through their work. Among the honorees were beloved figures like Candace Cameron Bure, Roma Downey, and Joel Smallbone, all of whom have made significant contributions to faith-based entertainment.
In a night filled with hope and gratitude, the awards recognized exceptional films and shows that resonate with Christian values. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" took home the award for Best Family Film, while "Young Woman and the Sea" was celebrated as Best Mature Audience Film. The family-friendly "A Little Women’s Christmas" won Best Family Television Show, and "The Baxters" earned recognition for Best Mature Audience Television.
The evening highlighted the importance of faith-driven narratives, with the prestigious Epiphany Prize awarded to "Cabrini" for film and "A Christmas Less Traveled" for television. The Faith & Freedom Awards also shone a light on impactful works, with "Reagan" winning in the movie category and "NCIS" (Episode 22:4, "Sticks & Stones") recognized for television.
Candace Cameron Bure received the "Grace Award" for her outstanding performance in "A Christmas Less Traveled." In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she reflected on the meaning of grace, saying, "I think about what grace means, and God says that ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ It’s a forgiveness of sins; it’s to stand holy and righteous before God." Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone of the power of God’s love and mercy.
Jesse Hutch, another recipient of the "Grace Award," shared his thoughts on using his platform to uplift faith. "One thing that brings us together is the heart that God put in us," he said, emphasizing the importance of unity in Christ.
The gala also recognized individual performances, with Beatrice Schneider and Joel Smallbone earning Grace Awards for their remarkable work in film. Roma Downey was honored with the Visionary Award, celebrating her extensive contributions to faith-centered storytelling through projects like "Touched by an Angel" and "The Bible."
Hosted by Mario Lopez, the event opened with a touching tribute to the victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the first responders who bravely assisted in the aftermath. Lopez emphasized the resilience of the affected communities and the power of storytelling to bring hope in difficult times.
The night was not only about awards; it was also filled with uplifting music. Breakout artist Sheléa performed "Something’s Coming" in honor of first responders, while Moriah Peters captivated the audience with her hit song "Hasta Mañana."
As the evening drew to a close, Candace Cameron Bure led a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s guidance for those in the entertainment industry. "May every person in this room know who you are," she prayed, urging her peers to honor God with their talents amidst Hollywood’s pressures.
The Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala served as a powerful reminder of the impact that faith-driven storytelling can have on society. In a world often filled with negativity, events like this shine a light on the importance of sharing messages of hope, love, and grace through the arts. As Christian creators continue to produce inspiring content, audiences can look forward to more films and shows that reflect their values and encourage a deeper connection with God.