"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the blockbuster 2005 film based on the beloved book by C.S. Lewis, and the CBS television series "Cold Case" received top awards at the 14th annual Mass and awards luncheon hosted by Catholics In Media Associates (CIMA).

The long-running "7th Heaven" television series, currently airing on the CW Television Network, was also honored with a special Board of Directors' Award for its significant contribution to the building up of the family and viewing audience. CIMA annually recognizes producers of film, television and entertainment projects which uplift and inspire viewers.

More than 400 CIMA entertainment industry members and guests attended the gala event Nov. 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson presided at the Mass with 12 priests concelebrating.

"What you do, how you affect people's lives, that's sacred ground," said Bishop Wilkerson in his homily. "You are touching the very spirit of individuals and of our society as a whole. You have a noble profession, you are noble people. Live up to that call…realize how much power and responsibility is in your hands.…Do what you do to the best of your ability and give it all to God."

Opening the awards part of the program, event chair and CIMA vice president Haskell V. Anderson III acknowledged the entertainment industry "certainly has its share of detractors." However, he noted, CIMA "is more interested in praising what we like than condemning what we don't like. We believe there's a lot of good in Hollywood, and we feel it's important that we recognize it as a group and as a community."

Before presenting the Board of Directors' award to "7th Heaven" creator and executive producer Brenda Hampton, actress Catherine Hicks, who plays the show's mom, said the world is a better place because of the program's more-than-decade-long portrayal of a functional family.

"I'm glad Brenda Hampton is getting recognized for this incredible Christian show that we do. It's very subtle in its message but nevertheless full of God and love of fellow humans," Hicks told The Tidings before the Mass. "I'm happy for the audience because they really feed on this show throughout the world; wherever I go, they come up."

According to CIMA board member and chaplain, Capuchin Franciscan Father Anthony Scannell, "Cold Case" was honored because of its representation of the underlying human thirst for justice as well as the perseverance of its detectives. "It takes really dedicated, selfless people that are willing to do that hard work," he noted.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Pictures, is a film that "inspires our vision for an industry that can significantly contribute to making our world a better place," said Bob Gunton, master of ceremonies and Tony-nominated actor. "It's quite simply the embodiment of what CIMA is all about."

First-time CIMA awards attendee Kari Pope, a member of the Young Adults Group at Our Lady of Grace in Encino and freelance writer, said she was moved by the Catholic show of support for people in media and entertainment.

"When I saw the number of priests up there on the altar today to celebrate Mass with us," said Pope, "I just thought, it's really wonderful to know that this industry is valued by the church."

Lucy Chapman, another first-timer and aspiring screenwriter recently relocated from Alabama, described the event as personally meaningful. "It was so wonderful to me to come and see that they're other people who really want happy, wholesome, uplifting, upbeat programs," said Chapman. "We need to all be reminded of that."