Variety will host the inaugural Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, presented by the Coalition for Faith & Media on December 4 in Los Angeles. The evening ceremony will celebrate individuals who are supporting often underrepresented themes of faith in storytelling and entertainment. These awards will celebrate diverse portrayals of faith and spirituality that are broadly compelling and nuanced.
The class of 2024 Visionary Honorees include:
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, founders, JuVee Productions
“Bob Marley: One Love,” accepted by Ziggy Marley, humanitarian, producer and musician, with an introduction by the Coalition for Faith and Media
Erica Lipez, executive producer, writer and showrunner, “We Were the Lucky Ones”
Jessica Matten, actor (“Dark Winds,” “Rez Ball”) producer and philanthropist
Arian Moayed, actor, (“Succession”, “Inventing Anna”, “A Doll’s House”), EP of “Motherland” and co-founder, Waterwell
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-Winning Actor, “Abbott Elementary”
Jay Shetty, best-selling author, Podcast Host, “On Purpose”
“The Global Faith & Media Study identified an important data point — 82% of the world identifies as religious, spiritual, or a person of faith. We live in a spiritual world and there is a large market who cares deeply about this topic. As a result, the Coalition for Faith & Media is committed to ensuring faith is meaningfully portrayed in media. In entertainment, this means accurate, nuanced characters that reflect authentic lived experiences people have every day. We’re beyond excited Variety’s recognizing some of today’s industry leaders who are doing this work in meaningful ways,” says Sara Critchfield, a founding member of the Coalition.
“Variety is excited to host this important event in partnership with the Coalition for Faith & Media to improve and expand portrayals of faith in entertainment and media,” said Variety’s chief operating and marketing officer Dea Lawrence.
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Content from the inaugural awards ceremony will be posted on Variety.com and Variety’s social platforms. A print feature will be included in the 11/27 and 12/4 Variety issues.