Faith-themed movies receive Oscar nominations

One of the biggest faith-based movies of 2019, Breakthrough, has picked up an Oscar nomination. 

The family-friendly movie has been nominated for Best Original Song for I'm Standing With You, written by Diane Warren.  It was performed by actress Chrissy Metz, one of the lead stars in the film.

Breakthrough is based on the book of the same name by Joyce Smith, which tells the true-life story of her son coming back to life against all the odds after he fell through the ice on a Missouri lake. 

The movie was produced by megachurch pastor DeVon Franklin and grossed $50m worldwide.

Celebrating on Twitter, he said: "@breakthroughmovie got an Oscar nomination!!! For best song for 'I'm Standing With You!' Huge congrats to the one and only warren_diane"

Metz responded to the news on Instagram, saying: "Congratulations, @warren_diane on your 11th Oscar Nomination for Best Song!"

"Thank you, @devonfranklin for putting us together and making dreams come true! And a HUGE thank you to @theacademy for this incredible honor!" 

Tom Hanks dressed as Mr. Rogers on the set of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." (Photo: TriStar Pictures)

Other movies with strong faith themes to have received Oscar nominations are Harriet, a biographical film about slave-turned-abolitionist and devout Christian Harriet Tubman, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, about the beloved TV show host and minister, Fred Rogers.

Harriet received two nominations, Best Original Song for Stand Up, co-written by Joshuah Brian Campbell and the movie's star Cynthia Erivo.  British rising star Erivo picked up the other nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet.

Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the late Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

News
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain

BBC Two and iPlayer are set to air a new one-hour documentary this Easter charting The Traitors’ winner Harry Clark’s personal pilgrimage from Slough to the Vatican

Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial
Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial

Nesbitt initially indicated that the province would join the trial.

EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey
EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey

Turkey has said the EU is interfering in its internal affairs.

Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection
Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection

The number of Britons giving something up for Lent has fallen sharply over the past decade, according to new research highlighting a significant shift in how the season is observed.