And the winner is ...
Movies about a widower who journeys by helium balloon, the migrations of animal families and Baltimore Ravens lineman Michael Oher are winners in the fifth annual Beliefnet Film Awards, announced on Tuesday.
From the Beliefnet release:
Best Spiritual Film
• The Road – Winner of the Judges’ Award
• The Blind Side – Winner of the People’s Choice Award
The Road, based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, is winner of Best Spiritual Film for portraying the treacherous journey of a father and son struggling for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, as they “carry the fire” that symbolizes their hope for humanity. The Blind Side celebrates the heartfelt, true story of a homeless, traumatized boy who, with the support, love, and faith of an adoptive family, lives the dream of becoming an All-American football player.
Best Inspirational Film
• [Tie] Precious: Based on the ‘Novel’ Push by Sapphire and Up – Winner of the Judges' Award
• Precious: Based on the ‘Novel’ Push by Sapphire – Winner of the People’s Choice Award
Winner of both the People’s Choice Award and Judges’ Award, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire follows the heart wrenching tale of 16-year old Claireece "Precious" Jones who, after being emotionally, physically and sexually abused her entire life, spiritually triumphs above hopelessness and gains the confidence to rise above her dismal situation with the help of three caring and life-saving mentors. The Judges’ Award goes to both Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire and Up, a fantastical story about Carl, a crotchety old man who ties helium balloons to his house and flies “up, up, and away” to escape the developers encroaching on his home — along the way, Carl grudgingly befriends a young wilderness scout, depicting a budding friendship that bridges generational gaps and shows what is most inspiring about humankind.
Best Spiritual Documentary
• More Than a Game – Winner of the Judges' Award
• Earth – Winner of the People’s Choice Award
More Than a Game is winner of the Judges’ Award for depicting a spiritual journey of five close-knit friends who become Akron, Ohio’s “Fab Five” high school basketball stars, one of which emerges as a leader — future NBA star LeBron James, who draws on the camaraderie of his friends, their commitment to prayer and the value of their Catholic educations, and the guidance of their coach. Earth, from Disneynature, earns the People’s Choice award for closely documenting three sets of animal families making their migratory journey across the planet, taking viewers through the seasons and across the globe to see nature's eternal themes of renewal and connection.
