2021-10-07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Rebecca Freed
The Morris + King Company
212-561-7456
rebecca.freed@morris-king.com

New York, NY – February 18, 2009 – Beliefnet.com, the largest multi-faith online community for spirituality and inspiration, announced today the winners of the fourth annual Beliefnet Film Awards. Judges named Pixar Animation Studios’ “Wall-e,” directed by Andrew Stanton as the Best Spiritual Film of 2008, and the People’s Choice Award in the same category was given to Warner Bros Studios’ “Gran Torino,” directed by Clint Eastwood. Beliefnet editors and guest judges reviewed all 15 films nominated in the Best Spiritual Film, Best Spiritual Performance, and Best Spiritual Documentary categories, and designated the honors based on the spiritual impact of each film or performance. In each category, People’s Choice Awards were also chosen, acknowledging the films or performers who received the highest number of popular online votes. Video clips of all 15 nominees can be viewed at:

http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Beliefnet-Film-Awards-2009/Beliefnet-Film-Awards-2009.aspx

Best Spiritual Film
• “Wall-E” – Winner of the Judges' Award
• “Gran Torino” – Winner of the People’s Choice Award
“Wall-E”, the lovable robot who miraculously rids our planet of pollution, and causes a global spiritual transformation, found a permanent home in the hearts of movie-goers everywhere this year. “Gran Torino” celebrates a profound reclamation of faith amidst racial tension and resistance to organized religion that is characteristic of contemporary American society.
Visit the Best Spiritual Film Gallery featuring video clips and profiles of winners and nominees:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Beliefnet-Film-Awards-2009/Best-Spiritual-Film-of-2008.aspx

Best Spiritual Performance
• Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor”– Winner of the Judges' Award
• Queen Latifah in "The Secret Life of Bees"– Winner of the People’s Choice Award
Richard Jenkins is winner of Best Spiritual Performance in the “The Visitor” for portraying a middle-aged man who spiritually triumphs above loss and hopelessness and discovers purpose by helping an immigrant couple find peace in America. The People’s Choice Award is given to Queen Latifah’s memorable performance in the “The Secret Life of Bees” for her empowering and divine role as an African-American secondary-mother to a young white girl.
Visit the Best Spiritual Performance Gallery featuring video clips and profiles of winners and nominees:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Beliefnet-Film-Awards-2009/Best-Spiritual-Performance-of-2008.aspx

Best Spiritual Documentary
• “Lord Save Us From Your Followers” – Winner of the Judges' and People’s Choice Awards
“Lord Saves Us From Your Followers” is winner of both the Judges' and People’s Choice Awards for drawing on a variety of characters and circumstance to answer why Christian faith in America has come to be represented by divisive language and actions, and how this reflects the face of Christianity today.
Visit the Best Spiritual Documentary Gallery featuring video clips and profiles of the winner and nominees:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Beliefnet-Film-Awards-2009/Best-Spiritual-Documentary-of-2008.aspx?p=2

Stay tuned to Beliefnet.com’s Idol Chatter for blogging on the 2009 Academy Awards http://blog.beliefnet.com/idolchatter/

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