Contact: Howie Simon, 323-822-0884, Howie@LegacyMediaRelations.com

HOLLYWOOD, April 26, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 19th Annual Movieguide® Awards Gala honoring family-friendly movies and television programs and spiritually uplifting entertainment will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel, Monday May 16, 7:00 PM (Eastern/Pacific), publisher Dr. Ted Baehr announced.

The star-studded Gala, which was produced by Associated Television and taped in February, is hosted by Kevin Sorbo and featured musical performances by Mary Mary and Ace Young. Some of the Presenters for the evening include Buzz Aldrin, Maria Canals-Barrera, Nadia Bjorlin, Eric Martsolf, Nancy Stafford, Kristy Swanson, Dean Cain, Bailee Madison and more.

"I was thrilled and honored to be chosen as host of this years Movie Guide Awards show. Ted Baehr and his team put on a great night and I'm especially excited that it will air on the Hallmark Movie Channel!" -- Kevin Sorbo, Host

"I'm a huge fan of family movies. I am honored they asked me again -- as this is my third time as a presenter. Family movies make the most money at the Box Office, it will never go out of style!" -- Nadia Bjorlin (NBC's "Days of our Lives")

"I have two small young children of my own, and I watched many of the movies that are nominated, I am excited to be a part of this!" -- Eric Martsolf (NBC's "Days of our Lives")

Among the prestigious prizes and awards handed out will be the $100,000 Epiphany Prizes (www.epiphanyprizes.com) for Inspiring Movies & TV, the $50,000 Kairos Prizes (www.kairosprize.com) for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays by First-Time and Beginning Screenwriters, the Best 10 Movies for Families, the Faith & Freedom Awards for Positive American Values, the Grace Awards for Most Inspiring Performances in Movies & TV, and the Best 10 Movies for Mature Audiences, from teenagers to adults.

"This is an extraordinary blessing and opportunity to help people see that there is a growing amount of faith and values based, high quality entertainment." -- Ted Baehr

Dr. Baehr is chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission® (CFTVC) ministry and publisher of the Commission's family guide to movies, Movieguide®.

For more information about Movieguide®, please visit its website, www.movieguideawards.com.