Referred to as the “Catholic Oscar,” though in this case it would be the “Catholic Emmy,” the Catholics in Media Associates has given ABC’s Modern Family its 2012 television award.
That may come as a shock for some as the series has come under fire from conservative groups for its representation of alternative lifestyles with Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitch’s (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) gay marriage. Most recently, the series faced scrutiny for allowing its young character, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), to curse on-screen — though, she actually said “fudge” underneath the bleep.
CIMA founding member Barbara Gangi, honorary chairwoman of the event, told the Catholic News Service that the organization is known for its “questionable, even controversial” honorees, adding, “Even among our own group!”
This year’s awards also honored Martin Sheen starrer The Way with its Board of Directors Award, Hugo for motion pictures, and I Am for documentaries.
Father Tony Scannel and a group of Catholics working in the entertainment industry founded the organization in 1992. Its first CIMA awards were given out in 1993. Past TV awards have gone to Blue Bloods, Glee, Without a Trace and Ugly Betty.
Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter: @TheRealJethro
