Catholic Media Association announces finalists for the 60th Annual Gabriel Awards
Winners to be revealed June 19 in Atlantic City during milestone awards celebration
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (April 21, 2026) — Today the Catholic Media Association announced the finalists for the 60th Annual Gabriel Awards. This year marks a significant milestone in a tradition that began in 1965, honoring media that offer a faithful portrayal of the human experience.
Originally created by the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals and now stewarded by the Catholic Media Association, the Gabriel Awards celebrate storytelling that reflects dignity, compassion, justice, community, and tolerance. For six decades, the Gabriels have stood as a respected honor in values-centered media.
The award itself, a silver angel raising a globe skyward, symbolizes the communication of God’s word to humanity. This year’s finalists represent the very best of that mission, with works released during the 2025 calendar year that showcase the depth of talent across the United States and Canada.
Winners will be revealed during the 60th Annual Gabriel Awards and Catholic Media Awards event on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
“Reaching sixty years is a moment for us to pause and really look at the impact these storytellers have on our culture,” said Rob DeFrancesco, executive director of the Catholic Media Association. “The Gabriels are a reminder that even in a noisy world, there is a deep hunger for stories that speak to our shared humanity. We can’t wait to get together in Atlantic City to personally thank these creators for the light they bring to the community.”
This year’s list of finalists illustrates the vital role of faith-based media in addressing complex global realities. From investigative reports on the impact of AI and the climate crisis, to moving portraits of those affected by conflict in Iraq and Gaza, these works demonstrate that storytelling rooted in dignity is more essential than ever.
- Register by May 31: https://www.catholicmediaassociation.org/events/60th-annual-gabriel-awards-x-catholic-media-awards
- Book hotel reservations by May 26: https://book.passkey.com/go/SH06CH6
2026 Gabriel Award Finalists
(Listed alphabetically by organization)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- Fresh Air CBC Toronto: A Journey Through Grief
- "Pope Francis made the climate fight a matter of faith" - What on Earth
- Q With Tom Power - Phil Rosenthal
- The Sunday Magazine: Mother of murdered journalist shares what she learned by meeting his ISIS killer
Castletown Media
- Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality
- The Catholic Lens
Catholic Radio and Television Network
- Esaro
Dawn Meadows Dixon Documentaries
- A Life's Journey
District of Eastern North America
- The Brothers of Christian Schools: The Life and Legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle: A Biographical Documentary
EWTN
- AI Chatbot Groomed My Son: Heartbroken Mother Shares His Story
- North Pole in New Jersey? This Man Has Been Santa for 60 Years
- James the Less Season 2
EWTN News
- Christians Fight to Survive: ISIS in Iraq
- Heart to Heart Catholic Ministries
- Discern & Decide: Navigating Life's Choices: and Ignatian Video
Juan Diego Network
- Las Aventuras de Juan Diego
- Investigación: Futuros Santos de Latinoamérica y el Caribe
KSL TV
- Breaking Barriers: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Loaves & Fishes Productions
- The Chosen
Michigan Public
- Fitted for a Prosthetic leg in Flint, a boy from Gaza can chase his dreams again
ODB Films
- Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story
Openlight Media
- Secure in Grace, Module 1: Foundations
Red Bird Ministries
- It's Not for Nothing Episode 34: Healing to Lead
Relevant Radio
- The Saints: Patrick Peyton
- The Saints: Adventures in Faith and Courage - Season 3
Salt + Light Media
- Behold
Shalom Media USA Inc
- Triumph
Spirit Juice Studios
- Path to Hope & Healing
- Every Day Heroes
Wisconsin Public Radio
- The Best of Our Knowledge: On Pilgrimage with Dorothy Day
WJR Radio
- WJR Spotlight: Francis the People's Pope
About the Catholic Media Association
Founded in 1911, the CMA connects more than 900 professionals from 364 member organizations across North America. Through professional development, networking and recognition programs like the Gabriel Awards, the CMA champions excellence in faith-based storytelling and supports its members in their mission to share the Good News.