The Great American Family Network premiered the 31st annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala on March 7, revealing last year’s top honors for film and television that highlight faith and family values. The event initially took place on February 9 at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood and was hosted by Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan of Great American Family. 

“Super Mario Brothers” took top honors with Best Family Movie while “Jesus Revolution” was honored as the Best Movie for Mature Audiences. Jim Caviezel’s surprise box office hit, “Sound of Freedom,” was recognized with the Faith & Freedom Award for Movies, while “A Million Miles Away” won for TV. Actor Dennis Quaid won the Grace Prize for Movie Performance for his role in “On a Wing and a Prayer.” Quaid also gave a musical performance during the show. He called his friend, actor Kris Kristofferson, during the performance and had the audience greet him. “I am singing two songs for you tonight that they both have to do with Kris Kristofferson, who was the biggest box office star in 1974, 1975, and 1976, and I thought before I do this song I thought we could all call him. We love you, Kris,” said Quaid.

 Lori Loughlin took home the Grace Prize for TV for her role in “A Christmas Blessing.” Loughlin called herself blessed after receiving the award. “I didn’t ever see this happening…I love making movies, I’m really blessed to do what I love, so thank you,” she said. The evening was closed in prayer by Great America Family’s chief creative officer, Candace Cameron Bure. Ted Baehr, executive producer and publisher of Movieguide, thanked God for the enthusiasm of the event. “This was the most entertaining, enthusiastic and blessed Movieguide in 31 years. I am grateful for God’s grace and everyone involved who made it great,” he said. 

The awards come after a recent survey revealed a growing appetite for religious representation in media. Both “Jesus Revolution” and “Sound of Freedom” overperformed at the box office, with “Sound of Freedom” bringing in over $250 million worldwide. “Jesus Revolution,” which had mainly a domestic release, took home over $50 million and received many positive reviews. Both films feature strong portrayals of faith, with two actors who have played Jesus, Jim Caviezel in “The Passion of the Christ” and Jonathan Roumie in “The Chosen.” “The Chosen” has just come off its fourth season airing in theatres, garnering $27 million at the box office.