Variety’s Faith & Media Impact Report 2026: Nominations Are Open

Variety is set to publish its annual Faith & Media Impact Report on December 2nd, a dedicated feature that shines a necessary light on an increasingly dynamic sector within the entertainment industry. This curated list recognizes storytellers from diverse religious traditions who are developing compelling, original narratives centered on faith and spirituality for broad audiences. The report acknowledges directors, writers, creators, and studio executives who have distinguished themselves over the past year by delivering authentic, nuanced portrayals of major world religions and spiritual themes.

Previous honorees of the Faith & Media Impact Report have included comedians Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, filmmaker Spike Lee alongside actor Denzel Washington, and horror specialist Mike Flanagan. The 2026 edition will appear in Variety’s December 2nd issue and be celebrated at the third annual Variety Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, presented by the Coalition for Faith and Media (CFAM). This event not only highlights industry contributions but also underscores the growing recognition of faith-based storytelling as both commercially viable and culturally significant. Recent box office successes like "The Chosen," which has drawn millions of viewers across multiple seasons, have demonstrated the immense potential for faith-driven content to attract large, dedicated audiences. As entertainment analyst Dr. Sarah Jenkins notes, "The industry is finally realizing that faith and spirituality are not niche topics but universal human experiences that can drive powerful storytelling."

Alongside the main report, the ceremony will present the 2026 Visionary Awards, also sponsored by CFAM, which honor individuals championing the often-overlooked theme of faith and spirituality in entertainment. These awards celebrate nuanced and compelling portrayals that resonate broadly, moving beyond tired, stereotypical representations. Past Visionary Award recipients include acclaimed actress Viola Davis, comedian Tiffany Haddish, and actor Jay Shetty, reflecting a wide range of talent engaged with these themes. CFAM, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between faith communities and the entertainment industry, advocating for more inclusive and thoughtful storytelling. For context, the Coalition for Faith and Media was established to address the underrepresentation of religious narratives in mainstream media, and its efforts have gained traction as streaming platforms increasingly seek diverse content that resonates with global audiences.

Submissions for consideration remain open until October 2nd, giving candidates or their representatives ample time to access detailed information and submit relevant qualifications through the provided link. This deadline offers industry professionals a clear opportunity to highlight their work in a field that continues to expand, bridging cultural divides and offering audiences meaningful narratives in an increasingly complex world. The growing interest in faith-based content suggests that this sector will only become more influential in shaping the future of mainstream entertainment, a trend that experts predict will accelerate as younger demographics seek stories that reflect their spiritual explorations.