(AXcess News) Los Angeles - The red carpet will be rolled out tonight, February 23, 2010, for the 18th Annual "Faith & Values Awards Gala," presented by MOVIEGUIDE. The event will take place at the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, with more than 400 entertainment industry executives, celebrities and decision makers, the "Faith & Values Awards" continue to champion the best and brightest in the entertainment industry.

"Family entertainment triumphed in 2009," said Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of MOVIEGUIDE. "Amid our economic struggles rose some of the most uplifting, positive and family-friendly films in recent years.  The message is clear: films that envelope and, more importantly, center on, faith and values, do far better at the box office.  This has been our message since we began and it is resonating across the board."

Since the Award Show's inception in 1993, MOVIEGUIDE has witnessed a dramatic 200% increase in family movies and a nearly astounding 400% increase in the number of movies with positive Christian content.  This year's theme - ONWARD & UPWARD - rings of the significance in these numbers with an eye toward the future.

With nearly 30 awards to be handed out at this year's event; including the Crystal Teddy Awards for the 10 Best Movies for Family Audiences and the 10 Best Movies for Mature Audiences, the Grace Awards for Inspiring Acting in Movies & Television, and the Faith & Freedom Awards for Promoting Positive American Values, the Gala goes beyond the standard congratulatory accolades given in excess at other awards shows.  The Gala centers itself on the important strides that the film and television industries have taken in the previous year to bring audiences positive entertainment with messages of hope, redemption and love.

Rounding out the awards are the Kairos Prizes for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays totaling $50,000.  Founded in 2005, these awards encourage first-time and beginning screenwriters, as well as the prestigious Epiphany Prizes for Inspiring Movies & TV with cash prizes totaling $200,000.  Both of these prizes have been funded by grants from the John Templeton Foundation.  For more information, visit www.movieguideawards.com.

To top off the evening, Dr. Baehr will present his highly anticipated Report to the Entertainment Industry based on MOVIEGUIDE's extensive analysis of annual box office figures.