It was a star-studded night at the 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards Gala at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, that was hosted by Mario Lopez who is also an actor, and host of the hit entertainment news show: Access Hollywood.
The Movieguide Awards Gala, celebrates films, TV shows, and documentaries that inspire and promote family values. This year’s event will also include a special tribute to first responders, recognizing those who have risked their lives, in recent weeks as fires ravaged the Los Angeles area. The ceremony will air on Great American Family on March 6, with streaming available on PureFlix starting March 7.
Movieguide®, the number one family movie and television show review service, announced the nominees for its 32nd Annual Movieguide® Faith & Values Awards Gala, and honored movies, TV shows and documentaries that inspire and give viewers hope.
On this TV Special that is a documentary length 1 hour long show: Entertainment & Sports Today/Time Warner’s TV Show Host Margie Rey, and our Entertainment Reporter: Sage Stevens did very in-depth, and insightful interviews with almost ALL of the celebrities, nominees and winners that were present: 
Candace Cameron Bure (Actress, Unsung Hero), with Margie and Steve both on the right in the above and below photos: 
Cameron Mathison (Actor and TV host, Beat the Bridge), with Margie on the right:
Metta Sandiford Artest (Former Basketball player, Lakers), Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Former Basketball Center, Lakers), Neal McDonough (Actor, Tulsa King, Homestead) who jumped in to our interview with Joe Mantegna- to give Joe a great compliment, Jesse Hutch (Actor, Homestead) who also did the shows closing prayer, with Margie on the left:
Courtney Lopez & kids Gia, Dominic and Santino (Lopez Family, Actress, Once Upon a Christmas Wish), Trevor Donovan (Actor, A Little Women’s Christmas), Kathy Ireland (Actress/Model, Gridlock) in the below photo Margie is on the left, Kathy is in the middle, and Sage is on the right: 
Moriah Smallbone (singer/actress, The Chosen), For King & Country’s Joel Smallbone (Grammy Award-winning artist), Noah James (Actor, The Chosen), Jen Lilley (Actress, The Book of Esther), Rachel Bay Jones (Actress, Broadway Singer, Dear Evan Hansen, Young Sheldon), Julia Reilly (Actress, Writer, County Rescue), Riley Hough (Actor, County Rescue), Reagan To (Actor, Elemental), Shelea (R&B Recording artist, Performer at event), Beatrice Schneider (Actor, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever), Jillian Murray (Actress, A Little Women’s Christmas), Cindy Busby (Actress, Heartland), Jessica Treska (Actress, Hysteria!), Caitlin O’Connor (Actress, Angels Fallen Warriors of Peace), David A.R. White (Founder of Pureflix and God’s Not Dead), Don McLean (Music Artist & guitarist), Cristina Ferrare (TV Host/Model, Mary, Mary, Bloody Mary), Kristin Wollett (Actress, County Rescue), Kirk B.R. Woller (Actor, The Chosen), and Roma Downey (Actress, The Baxters)! 
In the above and below photos are our TV Show: Margie Rey (in the middle), and our TV Producer: Steve Taylor (in the middle) with on the right: Gary Sinise (Actor/Director, Apollo 13, Forrest Gump), and on the left: Joe Mantegna (Actor, Criminal Minds): 
Our Entertainment Reporter: Sage Stevens is on the left with Joe Mantegna: 
DON MCLEAN PRESENTS AT THE 32ND ANNUAL MOVIEGUIDE AWARDS:
Legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean, best known for his timeless classic American Pie, is bringing his music to a new generation by re-releasing three iconic albums. McLean’s classic records, Believers, Chain Lightning, and Prime Time, have been remastered and returned to physical formats today on vinyl and CD via BFD/Audium Nashville. “It’s incredible to see these albums getting new life,” McLean shared. “The songs on these records hold deep meaning for me, and I’m grateful to BFD for helping make them available to longtime fans and a whole new generation of music lovers.” The three reissued albums are available now: fanlink.tv/DonMcLeanReissues. In the above photo Don is in the middle with Margie on the left, and Sage on the right.
In addition to today’s major music release, McLean took the stage tonight at the 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards at the Avalon in Hollywood. McLean presented the Best Documentary Award alongside Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as Metta World Peace), the NBA champion and philanthropist known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, his 2010 NBA title win, and his advocacy for mental health awareness.
On this show you can watch a great in-depth interview with this Legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean, where we talk about how we were lucky enough to be at his concert at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, for the 60th Anniversary of his classic song American Pie!
At the end of this show, we have a Re-Broadcast of our TV Broadcast from 2019: “Don “The Day The Music Died” McLean”, where we filmed the concert with Don McLean to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “The Day The Music Died” back in 1959!
In 8½ minutes, singer-songwriter Don McLean defined an entire generation’s fears, disillusionment, grief, and even hope with the epic tapestry of the song “American Pie” has a big influence on people and music, and McLean’s song has become a touchstone that continues to inspire artists and music lovers today. After 50 years this song is still one of the most enduring and original pieces of pop music ever composed, and neither the song nor McLean, have lost any of their potency a half-century later!
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of “The Day The Music Died” back in 1959 , Don did a special rendition of his historic signature classic song: “American Pie” – that went on for more than 10 minutes! The entire sold out audience were up on their feet and sang along with Don, during this emotion packed song, and a chill went down my spine when he sang those iconic words: “And the three men I admire most The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost They caught the last train for the coast The day the music died.”
The inspiration for the title track hit McLean on February 3, 1959, when a chartered aircraft crashed in Mason City, Iowa just minutes after takeoff claiming the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson – “The Big Bopper” – and the pilot, Roger Peterson. The fateful day was coined “The Day The Music Died” by Don McLean and spanned his hit “American Pie.”
I talked to Don about how this song was referred to in the Steven King book: JFK 11/22/63- about how a time traveler goes back through time to 1963 to Prevent the murder of President John F. Kennedy! Margie went into details about the meaning of some of the works used in this classic song. In the below photo Don is on the right, with Margie in the middle, and Steve is on the left:
After the red carpet interviews, all of our news staff were kindly invited inside for the dinner and an amazing show. There were many moving moments, with clips from movies and TV that were faith based, and so entertaining and emotionally packed- that you wanted to go out and see them all immediately!
From the opening prayer by the legendary Singer, Actor, and Writer: Pat Boone- whom our reporters Margie and Sage interviewed earlier on the Red Carpet, to the Gala Show’s introduction by Movieguide® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr- who Margie interviewed earlier on the Red Carpet, to the show’s closing prayer by Actor Jesse Hutch – who Margie interviewed earlier on the Red Carpet: the entire show was blessed with a good moral religious theme, that was inspirational and uplifting to watch.
A running theme to this show is that the rating numbers are actually higher for movies and TV shows that have good faith based values, as opposed to shows with a lot of violence, foul language, and bad moral characters and content. So it is a real pleasure to watch all of this, and how it is a good positive influence on our society today- when it needs it the most.
During our interview with Pat Boone we learned that he has recorded more individual songs than anyone in history: 2700! Pat said he looked up to his hero Bing Crosby- who is 2nd to Pat Boone with 2000 songs, and one of the greatest singers of all time: Frank Sinatra had recorded 1500 songs, and coming in 3rd place of all time.
Earlier on the red carpet Sage interviewed 2 beautiful ladies: Taylor Kalupa and Masey McLain, who are both writers on the 3 time nominated hit show: “A Christmas Less Traveled” and Masey is an Actress on the 2 time nominated hit show “The Baxters ” – and then after the show Margie and I (in the below photos) had the pleasurable opportunity to get photos with both of them: with Margie on the left, and Taylor in the middle, and Masey on the right: 
then Taylor on the left, with me- Steve Taylor in the middle, and Masey on the right: 
In the below photo Margie poses during the fun after-party, that was attended by many of the shows nominees, winners, presenters, and the Movieguide® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr – himself! There was great snacks, deserts, and drinks. When we all left we were handed a very nice gift bag- that had a beautiful Bible in it- which you would never see at any other event! It was a great night that everyone will always remember ! 
“We are Movieguide® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr. to have so many of our stars and original films nominated in this year’s Movieguide Awards,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “It is remarkable to see the faith and family genre expanding because it is the core of the Great American Media brand. As we begin 2025, Great American Media is committed to creating more content based on shared common values of faith, family, and country—entertainment without compromise.”
“There has been so much devastation to our city, we feel there is no better time to come together for strength and hope,” said Movieguide® CEO Robby Baehr. “We want to celebrate those who bring joy and entertainment to the big screen and provide a space where families come together to escape from the world around them. We also want to honor the First Responders who risked their lives to save Los Angeles. We must continue to lean on each other and help find the light in the darkness.”
“The start of 2025 has been rough to say the least,” added Movieguide® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr. “And at The Movieguide® Awards, we want to be a refuge for those who want to find peace and comfort. We honor quality family-friendly films and programs that have themes of hope, faith, joy and redemptive love and inspire viewers. Great American Family supports us in this vision and we are looking forward to another year of partnership.”
Here is a list of the 32nd Movieguide® Award nominees:
BEST FAMILY MOVIE
- THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
- DESPICABLE ME 4
- INSIDE OUT 2
- MUFASA: THE LION KING
- THE WILD ROBOT
BEST MOVIE FOR MATURE AUDIENCES
- DUNE: PART TWO
- KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
- TWISTERS
- UNSUNG HERO
- YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA
BEST FAMILY TV
- BLUEY Episodes 348 and 349 “Ghostbasket” and “The Sign”
- THE CHOSEN Season 4
- A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
- CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
- COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
- A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS
BEST TV FOR MATURE AUDIENCES
- THE BAXTERS: Episodes 1.1-1.8
- THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH
- BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
- NCIS: Episode 22:4: “Sticks & Stones”
- QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV
- THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
- CABRINI
- SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT
- TRANSFORMERS ONE
- UNSUNG HERO
EPIPHANY PRIZE FOR TV
- THE BAXTERS: Episodes 1.1-1.8
- A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
- CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
- COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
- A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS
FAITH & FREEDOM AWARD FOR MOVIES
- BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
- CABRINI
- GOD’S NOT DEAD: IN GOD WE TRUST
- REAGAN
- SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT
FAITH & FREEDOM AWARD FOR TV
- BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
- COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
- MASTERS OF THE AIR: Episode 1 and 2: “Part One” and “Part Two”
- NCIS: Episode 22:4: “Sticks & Stones”
- QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV
BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD
AMERICANS WITH NO ADDRESS: THE DOCUMENTARY
THE BLUE ANGELS
THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH
FOUNDATIONS OF THE WEST: Episode III: “Christ, the Center of the World”
QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV
GRACE PRIZE FOR MOVIE PERFORMANCE
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
Beatrice Schneider
BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
Jonas Dassler
CABRINI
Cristiana Dell’Anna
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT
Demetrius Grosse
UNSUNG HERO
Daisy Betts
Joel David Smallbone
THE WILD ROBOT
Lupita Nyong’o
GRACE PRIZE FOR TV PERFORMANCE
COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
Julia Reilly
Riley Hough
BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
Tom Selleck
A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
Candace Cameron Bure
A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS
Jillian Murray
CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Jesse Hutch
EPIPHANY PRIZE FOR MOVIES
This Gala event honored the Best 2024 Movies for Mature Audiences, the Epiphany Prizes for the Most Inspiring Movie and Television Program, The Faith & Freedom Awards for Movies and Television, and the Grace Awards for Most Inspiring Performance in Movies and Television. In addition, Dr. Baehr presented a $25,000 prize to the Best Family Movie and feature a special tribute to Los Angeles First Responders.
So stay tuned and thanks for watching Entertainment & Sports Today TV and Entertainment Today on Time Warner/ Spectrum, and World News Network. To watch other shows go to: EntertainmentandSportsToday.com Celebrating 30 Years being Broadcast on TIME WARNER / Spectrum, and 19 Years being Broadcast on World News Network!
