Jesus and God are name-dropped in awards acceptance speeches so often that they have become as iconic as Sally Field's famous "You like me" moment at the 1985 Academy Awards. Although some have derided the nods to the Almighty, these inspirational moments continue to be highlights for faith-based viewers.

Chris Pratt's Bold Declaration

Sometimes, as in the case of Chris Pratt, an actor uses the occasion to declare their faith publicly. In 2018, at the MTV Movie Awards, the "Jurassic World" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" star gave a speech that included "9 Rules." It contained inspirational thoughts such as "You have a soul. Be careful with it," and "God is real. God loves you, God wants the best for you. Believe that, I do." At the end of the speech, he made an astute observation about grace:

"Nobody is perfect. People will tell you that you are perfect just the way that you are—you are not! You are imperfect. You always will be, but there is a powerful force that designed you that way, and if you are willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. Like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else's blood. Do not forget that. Don't take that for granted."

Soon after, Pratt continued his declaration at the Teen Choice Awards:

"I would not be here with the ease and grace I have in my heart without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"I want to thank God. I always do that when I'm up on a big platform in front of a bunch of young faces. I say, 'I love God, that's my thing. I love Him, and you should, too.'"

Matthew McConaughey's Revival

Since those speeches, Pratt has become more vocal about his faith. Similarly, Matthew McConaughey, who had not previously expressed faith but is now embarking on a "Revival" tour in support of his upcoming book Poems and Prayers, made a splash when he took the stage at the 2014 Academy Awards:

"First off, I want to thank God because that's who I look up to," he said. "He's graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or of any other human hand. He's shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. In the words of the late Charlie Laughton, who said, 'When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you.'"

Denzel Washington's Consistent Praise

Screen legend Denzel Washington, who is a Christian, consistently thanks his Savior for the awards he receives. In 2019, accepting an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, he said:

"I'm up here to say thank you to God for giving me this ability, for blessing me, for shaping me, for chastising me, for teaching me, for punishing me, for allowing me to be a vessel and touch people around the world."

Jennifer Hudson's Church Celebration

When former "American Idol" contestant Jennifer Hudson received an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Dreamgirls," she celebrated by hosting a church service. When she won the coveted Best Supporting Actress award in 2006, she said:

"I cannot believe this. Look what God can do... Wow. Oh my God... Definitely have to thank God, I guess, again. I can't believe this. Wow, I don't know what to say, but I thank you all for helping me keep the faith even when I didn't believe. Thank you and God bless you all."

Dolly Parton's Evangelistic Lyrics

At the Oscars, Jesus didn't just appear in speeches. When Dolly Parton sang her nominated song "Travelin' Thru" at the 2006 awards, the lyrics were downright evangelistic:

"We've all been crucified, and they nailed Jesus to a tree

And when I'm born again you're gonna' see a change in me...

God made me for a reason, and nothing is in vain

Redemption comes in many shapes with many kinds of pain

Oh sweet Jesus, if you're listening, keep me ever close to you

As I'm stumblin', tumblin', wonderin', as I'm travelin' thru."

Gospel at the GRAMMYs

The GRAMMY Awards have been in the spotlight for uplifting messages and music through the years. Amy Grant represented contemporary Christian music well in 1986, delivering a rousing version of "Angels." Before that, Andrae Crouch hosted a tribute to gospel at the 1985 awards featuring Rev. James Cleveland & the Southern California Community Choir, Andrae Crouch, Pops Staples, Deniece Williams, and the Clark Sisters.

Whitney Houston's Gospel Moment

At the height of her popularity, celebrated singer Whitney Houston brought CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar out in 1996. Winans sang "I Surrender All," then joined Houston on "Count on Me," and both backed up gospel powerhouse Caesar on "Heaven (I'm Going There)," bringing the crowd of nominees and supporters to their feet for a standing ovation. Host Ellen DeGeneres followed the extended response with:

"Jesus is in the house."

A few moments later, Winans took home an award for Gospel Performance and told the crowd:

"Jesus is the head of my life... He is the reason why I sing. He is the reason why I live. Jesus is real. Jesus loves you. And Jesus is soon to come."

Lauren Daigle's Gratitude

In 2019, Lauren Daigle also gave credit to Jesus when she accepted an award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song:

"I just want to thank Jesus for letting me be a part of this, that he's put a voice in my throat," she said. "With everything that we do, we're supposed to have love, and I love that music gives us the opportunity to look up, it gives us the opportunity to spread love to the entire world."

Lecrae and Lenny Kravitz at the VMAs

In 2024, Lecrae said:

"I have to give credit to the Lord Jesus for just being my all in all in everything, to allow me to speak the words that I have in art."

Artists have also credited Jesus at the MTV Video Music Awards. Lenny Kravitz, who won Best Rock Song at the 2024 ceremonies, credited his mother, Roxie Roker, and his Creator:

"Wow. This is incredible. I am so grateful. Thirty-one years ago, my mother was with me at an award show, was at the VMAs, so I dedicate this to her. I thank God for this journey, this incredible journey. I thank Jesus for life."

Before going public with his faith in recent years, Justin Bieber also thanked Jesus at the VMAs in 2011:

"I just want to say thank you so much, not only to God but to Jesus."

Watch a collection of awards show speeches that honor God and Jesus here.