When it comes to award season, all films, whether they are comedies, musicals, dramas, or biopics, are on an equal basis. At that point, the theme of a film becomes an objective viewpoint rather than a subjective one. What if there is a religious undertone to the movie? Some people find it to be an insurmountable obstacle. It’s a surprise element for others.
Certain films are just the best in their respective genres. Additionally, the Church like them more if they have a spiritual or Christian element. These are seven Oscar-winning movies with a strong Christian message.
1. “Sergeant York” (1941)
Gary Cooper portrays one of the most decorated military warriors in history, Alvin York, in a remarkable role. During World War I, the Medal of Honor recipient led a patrol that took 35 machine guns and 132 German soldiers prisoner. His internal conflict formed the central theme of this script, turning his life into a Hollywood legend.
York, a Corporal at the time, was a pacifist and a devoted Christian. He sought to be exempt from the draft since he didn’t want to fight in World War I. Despite losing that battle, he achieved wonderful things for God by capturing those war foes virtually by himself without resorting to extreme violence.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV).
Awards: 11; Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay
2. “Silence” (2016)
Despite being one of Hollywood’s most renowned directors, Martin Scorsese still doesn’t receive the credit he merits for the historical drama Silence, which starred Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver. They portray Jesuit missionaries who are sent to rescue their master, played by Liam Nesson, and spread Christianity throughout the medieval Japanese kingdom of Edo.
The persecution of Christians is still going on, and the fact that it isn’t in the headlines doesn’t stop the 13 Christians who are slain every day for following Jesus from calling for assistance. Christians had to decide whether to uphold their faith or conceal it in order to save their lives even in the 17th century. That compelling conundrum is expertly handled in this film.
Best Cinematography, Oscar No. 1
3. “The Sound of Music” (1959)
“The Sound of Music” is one of Oscar-winning movies that addresses a topic that many Christians are familiar with: the strength of calling. It is regarded as one of the most popular musicals ever produced. Although Julie Andrews, a novice at an Austrian abbey, finds it difficult to adhere to convent regulations, she feels that she is there for a reason. After Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), who is extremely severe, loses his wife, Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) sends young Maria to act as a foster mother-like governess for his seven children.
Despite her difficulties as a nun, Maria discovered that she could serve the Lord wherever by observing these kids. She fills the children’s lives and empty hearts with all that God has to offer through love, laughter, and music. Her struggle to serve God reverberates throughout the movie, and its unadulterated message—follow God, not your emotions, and you will fulfill the Lord’s calling—cannot be stressed.
Five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture
4. “Ben-Hur” (1959)
Charlton Heston’s triumphant epic “Ben-Hur” is a contemporary depiction of Joseph via the life of Judah Ben-Hur (Heston), a Jewish prince from Jerusalem in the first century. Similar to Joseph, Ben-Hur was sold into slavery after being deceived by a loved one, lived a cruel life, and returned home to a well-to-do and well-respected man.
The plot twist is that he subsequently runs across his betrayed buddy Messala (Stephen Boyd), who challenges him to a chariot race before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. That’s just half the movie. Ben-Hur’s search for his family, who have developed leprosy, takes up the remaining half. He intends to bring them to Jesus of Nazareth so that he might heal them. He hears his final words of forgiveness as he discovers him hung to a cross. The 212 minutes spent watching this magnificent movie are well worth it.
Best Picture, Actor, Director, Supporting Actor, and Score are among the twelve Oscars.
5. “Conclave” (2024)
The struggle between reality and righteousness is at the heart of this mystery thriller set in the Vatican, which is an adaptation of the gripping Robert Harris book. Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who is in charge of overseeing the election of a new pope. The ensemble includes all-star actors.
It is his responsibility to find out what is going on, which is more covert than the Papal Conclave itself. His quest for righteousness and respect for God lead him on this moral journey, which brings this intriguing movie to a close. This is one of Oscar-winning movies you should watch.
Oscars: 1 for Best Adapted Film
6. “Amadeus” (1984)
Mozart was one of the most talented composers in music history, and “Amadeus” was his middle name. But it can also mean “Beloved of God.” Because of its title, this semi-biographical movie’s focus revolves around faith. The focus is on Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), Mozart’s elderly and senile doppelganger, rather than Mozart (Tom Hulce). He pledges allegiance to God in the hopes of becoming successful.
Salieri battles feelings of jealousy, animosity, bitterness, and religious beliefs throughout the film’s captivating flashbacks. A captivating tapestry of first-hand stories about the young maestro is created after he confesses murder to a priest. Because he wants Amadeus to fall, who took his gifts for granted, and discover that the gift from God was meant to be glorified, Saleri’s life turmoil is left unsolved at the end of the film.
Eight Oscars, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actor
Even in Hollywood’s biggest productions, biblical truth may be discovered in the most unlikely settings, as these Oscar-winning movies teach us. Every film, whether explicitly religious or implicitly infused with spiritual elements, addresses the human predicament and our profound need for grace, redemption, and meaning. They demonstrate how compelling storytelling may convey God’s teachings of love, sacrifice, and calling. These movies are more than just amusement for Christians; they are a celebration of timeless principles.
