LOS ANGELES (BP)–“The Passion of The Christ” received the John Templeton Foundation Epiphany Prize as 2004’s most inspirational movie during the Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala Feb. 24 in Beverly Hills.
The “Happy Trails” episode of the former “Doc” series on PAX-TV received the top prize for most inspirational television program.
Both awards were accompanied by a $50,000 cash prize presented personally by philanthropist John Templeton.
“This is a very special night for us,” Jim Caviezel, star of The Passion, said. “This is one time you’ll forgive me for saying, Thank you, Jesus.”
“We’re very honored and grateful,” said David Allen Johnson, co-creator and producer of Doc. “At some point in our lives, goodness went out of style. We’re just happy to do a show where goodness is cool again.”
Each year at Oscar time, the Templeton Foundation bestows Epiphany Awards to films and television programs that are both well-crafted and have redeeming, uplifting, spiritual content that, above all, help increase man’s understanding and love of God. The awards reflect a focus similar to the esteemed Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. Templeton conceived of the prizes with Ted Baehr, president and founder of the Christian Film and Television Commission, which administers the prizes.
Other awards given at the gala included the Grace Award for most inspirational acting in movies and television. Recipients were Caviezel for The Passion in the movie category and Jamie Foxx for “Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story” on TV.
“America’s Heart and Soul” was named as best movie documentary, while”The Question of God” by PBS was named the best TV documentary.
David Mainse of Canada received a Lifetime Faith & Values Crystal Teddy Bear Award for Dedication to Redeeming the Values of the Entertainment Media for his longstanding efforts within that country’s media in behalf of values and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The “Teddy Bear” awards for the top 10 family films of the year went to:
1. “The Incredibles”
2. “Miracle”
3. “Shrek 2”
4. “A Cinderella Story”
5. “Two Brothers”
6. “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton”
7. “America’s Heart and Soul”
8. “The Polar Express”
9. “I Am David”
10. “Princess Diaries 2”
–30–
