In a culture where faith often doesn’t get a fair shake in award season or mainstream storytelling, Variety’s Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, presented recently in partnership with the Coalition for Faith & Media (CFAM), shone a spotlight on creators embracing faith. From Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s spiritually-grounded productions to Sheryl Lee Ralph’s portrayal of a steadfast Christian teacher, the event celebrated the role of authentic faith narratives in shaping culture—and those in Hollywood committed to getting it right.
Others recognized on Dec. 4 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills for “authentic and nuanced portrayals of faith in entertainment,” included actors Jessica Matten and Arian Moayed, musician Ziggy Marley, podcaster Jay Shetty, Julius Tennon and producer/showrunner Erica Lipez in an event at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.
Recent data from the HarrisX Global Faith & Media Study revealed that 82% of the world identifies as religious, spiritual or a person of faith and these beliefs are being depicted accurately in creative mediums.
The night focused on diverse portrayals of faith and spirituality, highlighting the entertainment industry’s growing commitment to embracing authenticity and representation in storytelling.
“Faith and media are both storytellers and are equally important parts of our world and culture,” said Sheri Dew, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of Deseret Management Corporation, trustee of CFAM. “We need them both. When we combine the two, magic happens. They bring us together and enlighten us. We have seen so many popular television shows and movies embracing faith and spirituality in a way we have never seen before. With these awards, we are giving credit and appreciation to those so well-deserving and are looking forward to what we will see in the future from these creators.”
Davis and her husband Julius Tennon were honored for their production company JuVee Productions.
During the presentation, actor Edwina Findley Dickerson thanked the couple for bringing spiritually-minded productions to fruition. For the couple, the fruit seen today traces back to humble beginnings.
“Years ago, we planted a seed in Hollywood, and we just kept watering that seed,” Davis said. “The roots got deeper and deeper and that seed produced a tree that produced fruit. That fruit is JuVee Productions.”
Ralph was honored for her portrayal of Christian teacher Barbara Howard on the Hulu comedy series “Abbott Elementary.”
“Tonight, it is faith that allows me to share this stage with so many faithful storytellers who are lifting up narratives that often go unheard,” Ralph said. “Real faith is not about easy answers or glossy portrayals. It is about the messy, the beautiful, the complicated journey that we all take to find meaning, connection and purpose.”
Sara Critchfield, founding member of the Coalition for Faith & Media, said the honors were not “just about faith. It’s about telling stories that reflect the real, lived experiences of billions of people. By honoring these leaders, we’re showing that Hollywood is not only listening but taking significant steps to get it right.”
Music legend Ziggy Marley was present to accept a Visionary Award on behalf of Bob Marley: One Love, the 2024 biopic honoring his father. The movie was recognized for “shining a light on how Bob Marley’s faith and spiritual beliefs gave him strength, informed his world view and propelled his work for social good and justice through love.”
The Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors came on the heels of the first Faith and Media Impact report released last month, spotlighting even more figures making a difference in the faith-based media world, including Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”), Andy Erwin and Kevin Downes (Kingdom Story Studios), DeVon Franklin (“Miracles From Heaven”), Roma Downey (“On a Wing and a Prayer,” “The Baxters”), Cindy Bond (Mission Pictures), Edward Berger and Peter Straughan (“Conclave”), and Bill Abbott (Great American Media), among others.
DEWAYNE HAMBY has covered faith-based music, movies, television, books, and the retail industry for more than 30 years. He is a film member of the Critics Choice Association and the author of the book Gratitude Adjustment. Connect with him at on Facebook, X, YouTube or InstaGram.
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