Awards Highlight Family, Faith, Community and Social Issues During May 19 Ceremony
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 30, 2016) – Country music icon Dolly Parton,
silver screen legend Sylvester Stallone, and popular comedian Jim
Gaffigan are just a few of the creative forces behind the 21 feature
films, TV/Cable programs, and books for adults and young people that
will be honored at the 67th annual Christopher Awards, to be presented
in New York City on May 19, 2016.
The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers,
producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work “affirms the
highest values of the human spirit.”
Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, says, “The
world around us can seem like a dark place in light of all the violence
and hatred we hear about in the news. But the stories we honor with
Christopher Awards remind us that we can shine a light that illuminates
the darkness by choosing to practice faith, love, compassion, courage,
teamwork, and determination.”
Dolly Parton, executive producer of the TV/Cable winner “Coat of Many Colors,” said, “I love the Christopher Award slogan, ‘Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.’ I
personally believe that with all my heart. I think the movie, ‘Coat of
Many Colors,’ a true story from my childhood, does throw a light on a
lot of things like family, hope, love, kindness, understanding, and
acceptance. It really spoke to the issue of bullying. I am very proud at
how God works through me to shine a light, and to help heal a lot of
hurt in a lot of people, and I am very proud of this award.”
“Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” (NBC) brings the legendary
entertainer’s classic song to life in a story that addresses working
through grief, bullying, and the riches beyond money that are found in a
loving home.