Duck Dynasty Willie and Korie Robertson Honored with Movieguide's 'Faith & Freedom Award'

Duck Dynasty Wins TV Honor
Willie Robertson and wife Korie represent the Robertson family at the 22nd Movieguide Faith & Value Awards.

The faith and Christian values showcased in the reality television show "Duck Dynasty" may have taken a hit in the past months, but at the 22nd Annual MOVIEGUIDE Faith & Values Awards Gala, the show took home top honors for television.

On Friday, February 7 in Los Angeles, CA at the Universal Hilton Hotel, Willie Robertson and wife Korie represented their family at the awards ceremony.

"We're so honored we are here," Korie said during the ceremony. "You get to vote on what kind of entertainment you want to see."

The Movieguide Faith & Values Awards honors media such as television and film for their positive family values and faith. "Duck Dynasty" was awarded the honor of the Faith & Freedom Award in television.

"Duck Dynasty" set records for the network A&E as being the "the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history." The show focuses on the duck-hunting family's rise to wealth in their own business Duck Commander, but notably the family has expressed their Christian values and beliefs publicly. The theme of family and God's love is openly used throughout the show and the family is even seen praying in all seasons. The Christian values in a highly-viewed television show has been embraced by Christian audiences and conservative politicians, such as Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee.

"We're excited to attend an awards show that honors and recognizes actors, directors, writers, producers and executives providing a positive message in film and programming," Korie Robertson told in an interview with FOX 411.

The honor comes after the highly publicized controversy that almost saw the end of the show. The infamous interview with patriarch Phil Robertson in GQ caused an uproar when Robertson spoke against homosexuality and called it a sin. The backlash from the gay community and organizations caused the network to suspend Phil Robertson.

However, the Robertson family stood behind their patriarch and fans petitioned for his return with over one million people threatening to boycott the A&E network if the decision was not reversed. Additionally, a petition of over 250,000 signatures was also in support for the return of Phil Robertson. The network ultimately reversed the decision, and season 5 aired on January 15, 2014 with the inclusion of Phil Robertson.

Founder of Movieguide, Dr. Ted Baehr was honored to have the Robertsons at hand for the ceremony and to recognize the success of the show.

"I think they were pretty beaten down by the media following Phil's interview last year, and went through a period of extreme angst," said Baehr. "But they're so excited to be coming and they're bringing the family."

With the backlash from the GQ magazine seemingly behind them and the start of a new season, the Robertson family continues to succeed with their Christian values and faith in a conflicted media.

"We're so honored, and we want to thank the Lord," Willie added. "I'm thankful I get to work with my family every day."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.