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
Heroes of rescue: from war’s frontlines to today’s fight for freedom
Heroes of rescue: from war’s frontlines to today’s fight for freedom

We may not be on a battlefield today, but we still live in what CS Lewis called ‘enemy-occupied territory’.

Churches remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday
Churches remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

Churches across the country are joining in Remembrance Sunday commemorations in honour of all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

Pastor says police officer warned him Bible verse could be seen as hate speech
Pastor says police officer warned him Bible verse could be seen as hate speech

A church leader was apparently warned by a police officer that a Bible verse displayed on the back of his campervan could be considered "hate speech" in certain contexts.

Younger generations lead surprising revival in Bible reading
Younger generations lead surprising revival in Bible reading

After years of steady decline, Americans are rediscovering the Bible — and young adults are leading the way.