Gabriel Awards at 1645 Brook Lynn Dr., Suite 2, Dayton, OH 45432-1944 US - Awards Presentation

Standing alongside him was Kathy, the mother herself, whose journey was chronicled in the Gabriel-winning news piece.  In her poignant remarks, she pointed out that in the face of occasional doubt about the direction her life had taken since her son’s death, the award conveyed –like the angel for whom it is named- a message of affirmation.

Losing Lambert: A Journey through Survival and Hope was among those works honored at the June 3^rd annual Gabriel Awards presentation in New Orleans. This year’s Gabriel presentation returned to a familiar setting: the reception and ceremony took place within the annual gathering of Catholic Academy members at the Catholic Media Convention. Longtime members will remember the Gabriel Awards as the culminating event in the yearly Unda-USA assembly. It was decided to incorporate the Gabriels back into the membership meeting after hosting it as a stand alone event for a few years in Los Angeles to help raise its profile.

In all, 22 Gabriel statues and one Certificate of Merit were presented in New Orleans. Recipients came from throughout the United States, Canada, and even The Netherlands. Common within their words-of-thanks was an expressed appreciation for the Gabriel’s purpose: recognition of media works that enrich the human family as well as entertain. Winners also shared how pleased they were to be able to produce something recognized for making a positive contribution.

The 2010 Gabriels honored English- and Spanish-language radio, television, and film releases from 2009 in a variety of categories. Among winners were, in the film category, Bandslam and Brothers; radio stations of the year, perennial recipient KNOM, Nome, Alaska (religious), and WWJ-AM, Southfield, Michigan (secular); and religious TV station, Catholic TV of Watertown, Massachusetts. (A complete list is available on the Gabriel Awards website.)

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns received the Gabriel Award for Personal Achievement. Though unable to attend because of ongoing projects, he shared his gratitude in a video thank you message.

The Gabriel Award ceremony was made possible in part by its sponsors, longtime supporter Family Theater Productions as well as Odyssey Networks and Motive Entertainment. For their generosity, the Catholic Academy is most appreciative.