The 28th annual Family Film & TV Awards are set to light up screens this Saturday, December 20, airing live on CBS from 8 to 9 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by the iconic Julie Chen Moonves of Big Brother fame, the ceremony promises to celebrate the best in family-oriented cinema and television, featuring a stellar lineup of nominees and a special honor for a broadcasting legend.
This year's event will see legendary Survivor host Jeff Probst receive the prestigious Icon Award, a testament to his significant contributions to family-centric programming. The nominee list itself is a fascinating blend of timeless classics and modern favorites, ensuring there's something for every generation.
Viewers can expect to see major names like Adam Sandler, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Liam Neeson in contention. Popular films nominated include animated features, alongside diverse titles such as The Naked Gun, Freakier Friday, the upcoming 2025 release Lilo & Stitch, Superman, and F1: The Movie.
Categories to watch out for include Favorite Competition Television Series, Favorite Iconic Family Film, Favorite Classic Television Series, and Favorite Actor in a Feature Film. The breadth of nominations underscores the awards' mission to honor content that truly resonates with families.
How to Tune In: Streaming & Free Trials
For those eager to catch every moment, multiple streaming options offer flexibility, often with enticing free trials. You can stream the award show live via DIRECTV, which currently offers its ENTERTAINMENT plan for $49.99 for the first month, with a five-day free trial period.
Another excellent option is Fubo, providing a week-long free trial that ensures ample time to watch the show before committing to a subscription. Fubo also includes a free DVR for on-demand viewing.
Paramount+, home to CBS content, offers two tiers. The Premium plan ($12.99/month) allows live streaming via your local CBS affiliate and on-demand access, while the Essential tier ($7.99/month) provides on-demand viewing the day after the broadcast. Both plans come with a seven-day free trial, giving subscribers access to a vast library of entertainment, including music-themed hits like Love & Hip Hop: Miami and Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza.
The Enduring Appeal of Family Entertainment
The Family Film & TV Awards serve as a crucial barometer for the health and direction of content designed for multi-generational viewing. In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, these awards highlight the power of shared experiences and storytelling.
Laura McKenzie, co-chairperson and executive producer of the Family Film & TV Awards, eloquently captured this sentiment, stating, "Film and television have a wonderful way of bringing families together, whether you’re watching with your children, your grandchildren, or rediscovering stories you’ve loved for years. The best storytelling connects generations and reminds us of what truly matters. At Family Film & TV Awards, we’re proud to honor the programs that inspire, entertain and celebrate family in all its forms."
The inclusion of legacy films alongside forthcoming titles like 2025’s Lilo & Stitch demonstrates a commitment to both nostalgia and future trends. This blend ensures the awards remain relevant to diverse audiences while reinforcing the foundational values of family entertainment. The accessibility through various streaming platforms also reflects the industry’s adaptation to modern viewing habits, ensuring these valuable stories reach as many households as possible.
