Faith and family values took center stage at the 25th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Awards in Los Angeles, California, recently. The guest of honor for the black-tie gala was Regent Founder, Chancellor and CEO Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Communicating and Living the Good News.
Dr. Ted Baehr founded MOVIEGUIDE®, a twice-monthly magazine highlighting the best in family entertainment, in 1985. In addition to being Chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission® ministry and an accomplished author, media critic and lecturer, Baehr also has been a frequent guest on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club.” Robertson has served as host of the daily, inspirational news and talk program since its first broadcast more than 50 years ago.
“Ted Baehr is an extraordinary person who has been a pioneer in Hollywood to direct the film industry toward producing quality films that speak of faith and religious belief,” Robertson says of his longtime colleague. “I am grateful for the kindness of Ted and the MOVIEGUIDE® staff in giving me an award for CBN’s many years of television broadcasting.”
According to their website, MOVIEGUIDE® has been giving Christian families the power to make wise choices through movie, TV, and game reviews and articles for more than 30 years. Presented from a biblical perspective, the reviews are aimed at helping parents use informed judgment when deciding what entertainment products are suitable for their families’ enjoyment.
Actor Terry Crews (The Expendables, Everybody Hates Chris) hosted the silver-anniversary edition of MOVIEGUIDE’s® “Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala,” which has been recognizing the most inspiring and outstanding performances in film and television since 1993. “It’s a great honor. MOVIEGUIDE® does such a superb job. It was a thrill for me to be part of their celebration,” says Robertson.
Film and television star Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law, Major League) presented Robertson with his lifetime achievement award on behalf of MOVIEGUIDE®. The two men’s paths have Bernsen’s production company, Home Theater Films, partnered with Regent to produce and release the university’s first-ever, full-length, commercial feature film, In-Lawfully Yours.
“Tonight, we honor ‘Pat’ for that illumination, for that sharing, that kindness that he has shown to so many people who have crossed his path.”
– Corbin Bernsen
Available for viewing on Netflix, DVD and Digital HD, the romantic comedy, based loosely on the biblical story of Ruth, received high marks from critics. MOVIEGUIDE® called it “one of the most entertaining and funny Christian movies.” Key production roles were filled by Regent students, which isn’t surprising given that the School of Communication & the Arts has won more than 400 film awards since the university’s founding in 1978.
During a red-carpet appearance before the event, Robertson spoke of Regent’s plans to continue producing feature films, “We’re going to be doing more and more movies. We did a movie with (Corbin), and we’re going to do some others. As we get warmed up, we’ll have a full slate of movies.”
While introducing the evening’s guest of honor, the actor, who has successfully transitioned to behind-the-camera roles of writer, producer and director, said of Robertson: “Tonight, we honor ‘Pat’ for that illumination, for that sharing, that kindness that he has shown to so many people who have crossed his path.”
Robertson, who was also being recognized for his philanthropic efforts as the founder of Operation Blessing, received a standing ovation from those in attendance when he came forward to speak. “It’s been a thrill. It’s been a long journey: 55 years of broadcasting,” he began. “God has blessed me. In another month, I’m going to be 87 years old. Praise God for His blessing in my life. I can say, ‘Hitherto, the LORD has blessed me’ (Joshua 17:14, RSV).”
For information about enrolling in a graduate program at Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts, call 888.777.7729 or visit regent.edu/sca. To pursue an undergraduate degree in acting, cinema-television, communication or theatre at the College of Arts & Sciences, call 888.718.1222 or visit regent.edu/cas.
