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Military members seeking healing at Lourdes, the DC comic book hero the Flash, and an Olympic gold-medalist are among the subjects of works to be honored May 13 at the 66th annual Christopher Awards ceremony in Manhattan.
“We recognize and celebrate some of the best work in film, television and publishing every year to remind ourselves—and everyone—that the human spirit can survive through great struggles and accomplish incredible things,” said Tony Rossi, director of communications for The Christophers.
Special Awards
The James Keller Award, named for the Maryknoll priest who founded The Christophers, recognizes individuals who put their faith into action. It will be given to Patrick Donohue, who helped launch International Academy of Hope (iHope), a school for children with traumatic brain injuries and brain-based disorders in New York City. In 2005, his healthy newborn Sarah Jane was shaken so violently by a nurse that 60 percent of the rear cortex of her brain was destroyed.
ABC News’s documentary TV series “NY Med,” will receive the Christopher Spirit Award for exemplifying the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” “NY Med” focuses on health care professionals and their patients at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Weill Cornell and Columbia campuses as well as Newark’s University Hospital.
Television and Cable
“48 Hours: The Whole Gritty City” (CBS News) explores New Orleans music programs which channel students’ energies in a positive way so they don’t become involved in neighborhood violence.
“The Flash: Pilot episode” (The CW), based on the DC Comic, shows how Barry Allen becomes the fastest man alive after a science experiment goes awry.
“The Gabby Douglas Story” (Lifetime) shows how faith, family and perseverance played an important role in the gold medal-winning gymnast’s journey to the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In “POV: When I Walk” (PBS/WNET), filmmaker Jason DaSilva chronicles his own powerful story after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 25.
“Sacred Journeys With Bruce Feiler: Lourdes” (PBS/WGBH) follows members of the military injured during wartime who seek healing at the Marian shrine.
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas” (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries) tells the story of four postal detectives who try to answer a little girl’s letter to God while dealing with their own emotional wounds.
Feature Films
“The American Nurse” (Carolyn Jones Productions) offers an in-depth portrait of five nurses who serve those dealing with miscarriage, aging, war, poverty and prison life.
“Selma” (Paramount Pictures/Harpo Films) showcases the fight for civil rights as The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faces violence while leading peaceful protests to secure voting rights for African Americans.
“St. Vincent” (The Weinstein Company) shows the life of a curmudegonly senior citizen in Brooklyn who smokes, drinks and curses, but still seems like a saint to his 12-year-old neighbor Oliver.
Books for Adults:
“Fully Alive,” Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver reveals how people with intellectual disabilities have been his greatest teachers.
In “Haatchi & Little B,” author Wendy Holden shows how a boy with a rare genetic disorder and a disabled puppy transform each other's lives.
In “The Invisible Front,” author Yochi Dreazen writes of a decorated Army officer who combats the stigma of suicide and mental illness in society and the Army.
“Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” Jesuit Father James Martin's account of his visit to the Holy Land.
“A Long Way Home,” Saroo Brierley's story of getting lost on a train in India at age 5, living on the streets for a year, being adopted and reconnecting with his family 25 years later.
“Mercy in the City,” Kerry Weber's memoir of living the corporal works of mercy.
Books for Young People:
“I Forgive You,” by author Nicole Lataif and illustrator Katy Betz, preschool and up.
“Maddi's Fridge,” by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel, kindergarten and up.
“Here's Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too!” by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, ages 6 and up.
“Hope Springs,” by Eric Walters, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, ages 8 and up.
“Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big, Fat Quitter,” by Carmella Van Vleet, ages 10 and up.
