If you’re a fan of for KING + COUNTRY, get ready to cheer—Joel Smallbone just won Best Actor for his role in Unsung Hero!
The 2025 Movieguide Awards were packed with powerful moments, but Joel’s win felt extra special. In Unsung Hero, he plays his real-life dad, David Smallbone—that’s got to take a toll on the brain. In an interview, Joel said playing his father was a huge responsibility but also a huge honor. He shared that he had the safety net of his dad’s support through the whole thing, and his goal was just to honor his family’s story.
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“What I want people to remember is what happened behind the camera. We loved each other and together, we made something greater than ourselves.” | Joel Smallbone
The film was also nominated for Best Movie for Mature Audiences and the Epiphany Prize (which goes to the most inspiring movie of the year). It’s clear this film really resonated with people—and not just because it’s based on a true story. The heart behind it is so real.
But Joel’s win was just one part of a night full of meaningful moments. Here are a few more highlights from the 2025 Movieguide Awards:
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever won Best Movie for Families
- Young Woman and the Sea took home Best Movie for Mature Audiences
- Cabrini won the Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie
- The Baxters won Best Television for Mature Audiences
- And the Faith & Freedom Award went to Reagan
One of the most powerful moments of the night? Candace Cameron Bure stood up and led the room in prayer. You could feel the gratitude in the room, and it reminded everyone why nights like this matter.
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What’s really exciting is seeing how Christian film is evolving. These aren’t just low-budget, niche stories anymore. The quality, the storytelling, the impact—it’s all growing. And with more movies like Unsung Hero breaking through, it feels like we’re stepping into a new era of faith-based storytelling.
If you haven’t seen Unsung Hero yet, add it to your list. These are stories full of hope, heart, and faith—everything we need a little more of right now.
5 Must-See Christian Movies for 2025
