By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Wednesday, March 04, 2026

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Actors, filmmakers and television personalities gathered outside the historic Avalon Theatre for the red carpet of the 33rd annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards, where nominees reflected on the rising popularity of faith-driven storytelling.

The ceremony, held on Feb. 6 and hosted by Cameron Mathison and broadcast on Great American Family with streaming on Great American Pure Flix, celebrates films, television programs and performances that highlight faith, redemption and family-centered values.

Among those walking the carpet was actress and producer Candace Cameron Bure, nominated for a Grace Award for her performance in the series “Timeless Tidings of Joy.” The longtime advocate for faith-based entertainment said the recent surge of spiritually themed programming reflects something audiences have been seeking for years.

“I hope it’s not a moment, and I know it’s not a moment,” Bure told The Christian Post. “It is what so many people have longed for.”

She said studios and streaming platforms are beginning to recognize the strong demand for values-driven stories.

“I think everyone’s realizing there’s dollars behind it,” she said. “And that’s kind of what it always takes because the dollars speak to the executives and the streamers and the networks. I’m so happy these bigger companies are listening to what people really want.”

Still, Bure said she hopes the growing investment in the genre does not come at the expense of authenticity.

“I hope that they do remain scripturally sound and true to the Word of God and the Christian faith,” she said. “Because you can always tell when something’s produced in Christian content by a non-Christian, it’s very easy to see the difference.”

A mother of three, Bure also offered encouragement for parents hoping to raise children with strong faith.

“You’ve got to walk the walk,” she said. “It’s not about all the things that you’re going to say to them. Obviously, we teach as parents, but kids watch what we do so much more.”

Journalist and filmmaker Billy Hallowell attended as a nominee for the Aletheia Prize for best documentary for “Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles,” which explores modern-day claims of divine intervention.

“I feel good. I’m excited to be here and talking about miracles, which I love,” Hallowell said. “God is still moving, and so it’s just amazing to be here.”

Hallowell said a follow-up project, “Investigating the Supernatural: Angels and Demons,” examining claims of angels, demons and spiritual warfare, will premiere March 16.

“We went all over America investigating cases and claims of the demonic, claims of angels,” he said. “Are they true? Are they not? We have some really compelling stories.”

The topic, he added, has required spiritual preparation.

“Five years ago, I never would have said this, but being in this space covering these topics — it’s heavy,” he said. “We welcome prayer that we can get it out to as many people as possible and that there be protection for everyone involved.”

Asked why interest in the spiritual realm appears to be growing, Hallowell suggested cultural tensions might be part of the reason.

“We’re watching revival break out, and we’re also watching a lot of evil break out,” he said. “You have these two dueling things happening.”

Actor Michael Iskander, nominated for a Grace Award for television for his role as the young king in “House of David,” said he was “honored” by the nomination, adding that the show’s second season has resonated with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

“Season two has been really awesome,” he said. “For the people watching it and for me as an actor, because it’s a transformative season where we see David go from being a shepherd to becoming a warrior.”

“People are resonating with that change and seeing that change in themselves,” he said. “It’s had a huge impact on those who’ve watched it.”

Iskander, who grew up a Coptic Christian, also reflected on his own faith journey, saying his decision to enter the Catholic Church has shaped this season of his life.

“To put it simply, it’s been the best decision that I have ever made,” he said.

Actress and author Danica McKellar, nominated for a Grace Award for streaming for her performance in “Have We Met This Christmas,” said the recognition is meaningful because of the uplifting nature of the films she creates.

“It’s such an honor. It really is,” McKellar said. “I love doing these movies for Great American Family and Pure Flix. It’s an opportunity to help lift people up.”

She said audiences are increasingly seeking entertainment that leaves them encouraged rather than discouraged.

“There’s a whole audience that’s desperate for this content,” she said. “People want to watch something with their family that’s going to make them feel good afterward and not have bad memories in their head.”

McKellar, who said she embraced Christianity about three-and-a-half years ago, added that her faith has transformed how she approaches both life and work.

“From the outside it might not look that different, but it’s all those moments in between,” she said. “I’ve discovered that trusting God doesn’t mean you stop working hard. It means you plan, you do your best, and then you turn it over to Him.”

“Easier said than done,” she added, “but that’s brought a lot more peace into my life.”

Cast members from “The Chosen” also attended as nominees, including Paras Patel, who earned a Grace Award nomination for his portrayal of the disciple Matthew in “The Chosen: The Last Supper — Part Two.” 

“Just being nominated tonight is just a testament to the heartbeat, which is our audience behind the show, and it's because of all of the viewers out there that support us and carried us through the ups and downs while we make the show,” Patel told CP. “It feels like a reward just to be recognized. But you know, we are just happy to have support. So this is just kind of like icing on top if we do win anything tonight, but I'm just very excited to be here.”

Meanwhile, “The Chosen: The Last Supper – Part Two” earned a nomination for Best Family Movie. 

Actress Vanessa Benavente said the show’s continued recognition is humbling for the cast, which recently wrapped filming Season 6.

“It feels like we just wrapped and all of a sudden we’re starting again,” she said of preparing for the show’s seventh and final season. “There are so many feelings.”

Looking back on the years spent filming the series, she said the relationships formed on set remain one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience.

“Every time we’re on set together as a group, even though those scenes take forever to shoot, we have so much fun,” she said. “We’re so lucky to have each other.”

Receiving recognition at events like Movieguide still feels surreal, she added. 

“We never thought we would be here,” Benavente said. “I’m just so grateful that a show we make with so much love really comes across through the screen and warms people’s hearts.”

Hallmark actress Cindy Busby said the awards ceremony represents a rare moment of unity in an often turbulent world.

“The world can be a little bit of a crazy place sometimes,” Busby said. “But if we can all unite together with faith and love and connection, I think that’s really what it’s about.”

Mathison, who served as host for the evening, stressed that the celebration is ultimately about honoring storytelling that uplifts.

“We’re celebrating movies and TV shows that spread goodness in the world,” he said. “Stories that spread faith, compassion, generosity and love.”

The 33rd annual Movieguide Awards are set to air on Great American Family on March 5 at 8 p.m. ET. 

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/candace-cameron-bure-the-chosen-cast-attend-movieguide-awards.html