At Variety's Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors gala on Wednesday night, a palpable sense of hope and optimism filled the air. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills and presented by the Coalition for Faith and Media, this event celebrated industry leaders who are championing underrepresented themes of faith within the entertainment realm.

Highlighting the Importance of Diverse Faith Portrayals

Jeff Simpson, Coalition for Faith and Media trustee and CEO of Desert Management Corp, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the significance of diverse portrayals of faith in media. He firmly stated that the coalition is dedicated to providing the essential resources for artists to achieve rich and authentic storytelling that transcends simplistic stereotypes. As Simpson pointed out, "It's not merely about a faith genre story; it's about how people of faith are depicted in everyday situations. There's a tremendous opportunity to expand our narratives and connect with global audiences on a more meaningful level."The Academy Award winner Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon were recognized for their work with JuVee Productions. Actor Edwina Findley Dickerson presented the award, highlighting the compelling and relatable stories told by Davis and Tennon and the profound truths their projects have shared with captivated audiences. Findley Dickerson said, "As Viola often quotes, 'The two most important things in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.' It is our God dream, our divine dream, to live abundantly and die empty, knowing that we have fulfilled the heights of our purpose." She directly addressed Davis and Tennon, stating that they embody this dream in essence and virtue.Davis herself shared, "Years ago, we planted a seed in Hollywood and kept watering it. The roots grew deeper, and that seed produced a tree that bore fruit – JuVee Productions."

Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph's Faith-Fueled Journey

"Abbott Elementary" star and Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph was honored for her portrayal of Christian teacher Barbara Howard on the Hulu comedy series. Her co-star Lisa Ann Walter presented the award, crediting Ralph with bringing a character of genuine faith to life on-screen and galvanizing the crew during challenging production shoots. Ralph expressed, "Faith has been a guiding light in my life, a constant source of strength, resilience, and hope. It is that quiet whisper that reminds me who I am, even in moments of doubt. It is that force that has carried me through doors that others said would not open for someone like me. Faith has allowed me to stand tall in places where I wasn't always welcome."She added that themes of faith are often difficult to make space for in an industry that thrives on glamor and spectacle. Ralph emphasized that stories of faith are the narratives that reflect our shared humanity and celebrate the sacred moments of daily life. She said, "Tonight, it is faith that allows me to share this stage with so many faithful storytellers who are lifting up narratives that often go unheard. Real faith is not about easy answers or glossy portrayals; it is about the messy, the beautiful, and the complicated journey we all take to find meaning, connection, and purpose."

Erica Lipez's Sensitivity in "We Were the Lucky Ones"

Later in the night, Emmy nominee Joey King presented "We Were the Lucky Ones" creator and showrunner Erica Lipez with her award, highlighting the sensitivity and emotional depth Lipez brought to the screen. King, who stars in the series, said, "The series effectively displays the faith and cultural heritage of Jewish life. Erica is someone in a position of power who possesses both approachability and tremendous talent, which is a gift to those working around her. The nuance and emotion were able to soar because of her leadership. Her kindness and commitment to telling this story so thoughtfully put so much more passion into our desire to bring her vision to life. Working for her is one of the greatest privileges I've had."

Justin Baldoni and Jay Shetty's Spiritual Connection

"It Ends With Us" actor and director Justin Baldoni served as presenter for author and podcaster Jay Shetty. Baldoni recalled connecting with Shetty via social media a decade ago and having deep conversations with him in Los Angeles that were focused on service and spirituality rather than networking or business proposals. Baldoni said, "He talked about the necessity of bringing spirituality to Hollywood and imagined what a room like this could be. Jay has created a space where people from all walks of life can ask big questions about love – what it means to be human."Shetty began his acceptance speech by expressing gratitude to Baldoni. He went on to say that trending searches on Google and ChatGPT show that society's most significant concerns often revolve around love – something that only spirituality and faith can truly answer. He explained that he was inspired to bring ancient spiritual wisdom to modern society but was initially discouraged from doing so. He said, "I was told that no one wanted spirituality and entertainment. But what I realized is that even if there is no demand, there is and will always be a deep need for spirituality."Best of VarietySign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.