Tiffany Haddish, Mo Amer, Zahn McClarnon and Others Honored for Faith and Spirituality: 'Not Hollywood, But Holy'

The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills was filled to capacity Thursday night for Varietys second annual Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, hosted by the Coalition for Faith & Media. Attendees gathered to celebrate creators and performers whose work highlights faith and spirituality with depth and authenticity.

Jeff Simpson, trustee of the Coalition for Faith & Media and CEO of Deseret Management Corp, opened the evening by emphasizing the impact of stories that reflect and shape cultural understanding of faith. Tonight is about recognizing how storytelling with honesty and depth can influence society, Simpson said.

Jay Shetty, bestselling author and host of the On Purpose podcast, emceed the event, blending humor and sincerity while reflecting on the many forms faith can take in everyday life. Faith is believing in something, whether the universe, Mercury finally leaving retrograde, or a green juices power, Shetty noted. He stressed that purpose-driven storytelling in film and television is essential, not a niche.

Visionary Awards

Bridget Everett, star and executive producer of HBOs Somebody Somewhere, received the Visionary Award for her portrayal of Sam, a woman returning to her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas, after her sisters death. Co-star Tim Bagley highlighted Everetts nuanced depiction of spiritual searching. In her acceptance speech, Everett spoke about her complex relationship with organized religion and the importance of faith in fostering community. Faith is not just in religion; its in friends, family, and yourself, she said.

Thomas Paa Sibbett, creator and executive producer of Apple TV+s Chief of War, was honored for telling the story of his Hawaiian ancestors. Cliff Curtis, co-producer and star, praised Sibbetts dedication to representing culture, history, and language in ways rarely seen on screen.

Essence Atkins introduced Traci Blackwell, senior development executive at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, for her contributions to faith-based content such as House of David. Blackwell emphasized how her own faith inspires her work, calling it her superpower.

Celebrating Diverse Voices

Anthony Ramos presented the award to Mo Amer, star and executive producer of Mo Amer: Wild World. Ramos described Amers work as healing disguised as a punchline. Amer spoke about faith as a guide for understanding, intention, and connection to the divine.

Zahn McClarnon, star and executive producer of AMCs Dark Winds, received his award from showrunner John Wirth. McClarnon, also known for FXs Reservation Dogs, reflected on the importance of telling stories rooted in marginalized cultures. The most profound spiritual truths often come from the deepest wells, he said.

Tiffany Haddish Honored

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish closed the ceremony, introduced by lifelong friends and co-stars Shermona Long, Sparkle Clark, and Selena Martin. They praised Haddishs career, intuition, and faith. This award is being given by three women who have been with me through every season of my life. Thats not Hollywood. Thats holy, Haddish said. She encouraged everyone to use their gifts to uplift others and share love and truth through their work.

Author: Jackson Miller