Faith-based movies are starting to make inroads in Hollywood. “Breakthrough” and two other faith-centric films received Academy Award nominations earlier this week.
“Breakthrough” was nominated for best original song for “I’m Standing With You,” which was written by Diane Warren and sung by Chrissy Metz, who also starred in the film. “Harriet” and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” also received nominations.
“Harriet” was nominated for best original song (“Stand Up,” by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo) and best actress (Erivo, who played the lead role of Harriet Tubman). Tom Hanks was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Fred Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
Although “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and “Harriet” aren’t categorized as Christian films on some movie websites, both were marketed to Christian audiences. “Breakthrough,” on the other hand, was considered a faith-based film by most Hollywood websites. The movie is based on the true story of a teenage boy who is presumed dead after he falls through an icy pond and doesn’t breathe for 45 minutes. His heart starts beating again after his mother begins praying.
On Monday, the cast and crew of “Breakthrough” celebrated the Oscar nomination on social media. It was Warren’s 11th Oscar nomination. Devon Franklin produced the movie.
READ: Metro Voice review of Breakthrough
“Congratulations, @warren_diane on your 11th Oscar Nomination for Best Song!” Metz wrote on Instagram. “Thank you, @devonfranklin for putting us together and making dreams come true! And a HUGE thank you to theacademy for this incredible honor.”
Franklin wrote on Twitter, “@breakthroughmovie got an Oscar nomination!!! For best song for ‘I’m Standing With You!’ Huge congrats to the one and only warren_diane.”
Among the Top 10 grossing Christian movies of all time listed by Entertainment Weekly, only one – 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” – received an Oscar nomination.
Metro Voice will report how the films fair after the Academy Award program airs.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
