CFT Awards Presentation

Smilin’ Tom Fridley of Chicago’s 106.7 FM Fish Radio was the Master of Ceremonies for the CFT Excellence Awards for 2003 which opened with a beautiful dance performance by Coram Deo which means “The Face of God.”

Entertainment attorney, John Tellis III spoke of the power of a few well-chosen words in his presentation of the Best Television Spot award to Nate Bialik, producer of Fire created for Crossroads Church of Rockford, Michigan.

With his moving performance of “He Lives”, saxophonist Ron Brigmon set the mood for our tribute to the late Bob Briner whose Roaring Lambs book series was the inspiration for creating the ISECFT. Bob’s son-in-law, Lance French represented the family on stage after Bill Boerman-Cornell of Culture is Not an Option expressed so eloquently the society’s feelings for RAB and the importance of his work.

Actor and pastor Dan Martin introduced ISECFT member, Joe Costantino who was on the set of Joan of Arcadia with Joe Mantegna, Michael Welch, Amber Tamblyn, Mary Steenburgen and Jason Ritter. Mr. Mantegna thanked the society for naming him Best Actor in a Television Series for 2003 saying that he was “honored to be so honored.” Executive producer, Jim Hayman expressed their collective gratitude for recognition of their work by an organization like the Intl. Society for Excellence in Christian Film & Television. Joan of Arcadia won both the CFT Excellence Award for Best Television Drama of 2003 and this year’s award for the Best Coming of Age Television Series. Amber Tamblyn and Michael Welch won the committee’s Best Actress and Actor awards respectively.

Dan Martin then announced that Life with Bonnie had won the CFT Excellence Award for Best Television Comedy and that it’s producer, Bonnie Hunt was the winner of the year’s Best Television Actress award. Bonnie’s mother, sisters and niece were on hand to accept the award for Ms. Hunt. Life with Bonnie cast member, the adorable Frankie Ryan accepted the CFT Excellence Award for Best Television Comedy. Alice Hunt, after whom Bob & Alice Productions is named, came to the podium and talked about the need for good, clean, funny television programs like “we used to have” and the kind that her daughter created.

The head of the Dare to Dream theater program for children, Rachel Elizabeth Baas presented the documentary portion of the ceremony. Rachel recognized the work of producer Kersti Uibo of Trinity Films who will be in London next year to receive the award for the Best Documentary for Narrow is the Gate.

Melissa Core of Luke Films presented the CFT Excellence Award for Best Coming of Age Film to the producers of Hangman’s Curse. Total Living Network’s Ray Pokorny accepted the award for executive producer, Jerry Rose and Namesake Entertainment and announced that they were currently working on bringing another of Frank Peretti’s books to screen.

Jan Nelson with the Theater Department of Wisconsin Lutheran College presented the CFT Excellence Award for Best Motion Picture of 2003 to Luther, an American and German co-production. US producers Dennis Clauss of Thrivent and Dr. Christian Stehr accepted the award. The German producers of Luther will be honored in London next year when Jonathan Firth accepts his CFT Excellence Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture.

Father Tom Baldonieri of St. Raymond’s Church blessed the crowd and prayed for the industry as well as the work of the Intl. Society for Excellence in Christian Film & Television.

The Grand Finale of the evening came when the Coram Deo dancers twirling brightly colored banners and waving beautifully died silk flags joined the “Spirited” saxophone of Ron Brigmon performing a very lively rendition of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy.

Aglow President, Patti Bougher organized a team of volunteers to help at every turn. Throughout the evening, Aglow’s Ellen Jones graced the stage in her beautiful pink gown, handing the awards to each presenter and escorting the winners off stage.

Iowa Team Leader, Debra Miller represented the society on stage and, pulling all the strings from the control booth, was our event producer, Sean Pappalardo. Ron Brigmon dubbed Pappalardo MVP of the evening and so right he was!