The films nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards on Sunday evening are a mixed bag for Christians. The recent Movieguide Faith & Values Awards, however, recognized movies that the whole family can enjoy.
“Super Mario Bros Movie” was named Best Family Movie, while “A Paris Christmas Waltz” took home the award for Best Family TV. “Jesus Revolution” won Best Movie for Mature Audiences, and “Chicago P.D.” episode “New Life” was awarded Best TV for Mature Audiences.
In recognition of films and shows that highlight freedom and faith, the Faith & Freedom Award for Movies was awarded to “Sound of Freedom,” starring Jim Caviezel. For TV, the award went to Prime Video’s “A Million Miles Away.” The Grace Prize, celebrating outstanding performances that exemplify God’s grace, was given to Dennis Quaid for “On a Wing and a Prayer” and Lori Loughlin for “A Christmas Blessing” in their respective categories.
“This was the most entertaining, enthusiastic and blessed Movieguide in 31 years,” Movieguide publisher Ted Baehr said. “I am grateful for God’s grace and everyone involved who made it great.”
Overall, 2023 marked a successful year for faith-based and uplifting films and television series. Lionsgate’s “Jesus Revolution,” which hit theaters in early 2023 and stars Kelsey Grammer, grossed $52 million domestically and was given an A+ CinemaScore grade by moviegoers. Angel Studio’s “Sound of Freedom” grossed nearly $250 million worldwide, outperforming big-budget films including “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.”
Michael Peña in “A Million Miles Away.” Studio photo.
“A Million Miles Away,” starring Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar and Julio César Cedillo, tells the inspiring true story of devout Christian José Hernández, a migrant turned NASA astronaut. The film garnered several award nominations, earned the No. 1 spot on Amazon Prime for several weeks and received a 96 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Andy Erwin, one of the directors of “Jesus Revolution,” said the success of such faith-based films and the star power they are attracting is evidence of Hollywood’s awakening to the underserved faith community.
“I think it’s really a moment in time where there’s been a group of individuals that have all been trying to work behind the scenes to tell stories of faith,” he said. “But collectively, whether it’s through ‘The Chosen’ or ‘Sound of Freedom’ or what we did with ‘Jesus Revolution,’ all of a sudden, it’s been legitimized.”
Here’s a recap of the winners:
Best Movie for Families – THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (2023)
Best Movie for Mature Audiences – JESUS REVOLUTION
Best Television for Families – A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ
Best Television for Mature Audiences – CHICAGO P.D.: “New Life”
Epiphany Prize® for Inspiring Movies – JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
Epiphany Prize® for Inspiring Television – DIVINE INFLUENCER
Faith & Freedom Award for Movies – SOUND OF FREEDOM
Faith & Freedom Award for Television – A MILLION MILES AWAY
Grace Award for Movies – Dennis Quaid for ON A WING AND A PRAYER
Grace Award for Television – Lori Laughlin for A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
–Alan Goforth | MV
