Key Takeaways
- The Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch, presented by the Coalition for Faith & Media, will take place on January 23 at the Sundance Film Festival.
- The event will feature conversations with actors Patrick Schwarzenegger, Alex Edelman, and Jeff Hiller, as well as director and producer Poh Si Teng and creator and executive producer Sterlin Harjo.
- The brunch will explore the intersection of faith and entertainment, including the influence of faith on storytelling and modern audiences.
- The event follows Variety’s Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, which took place on December 4, 2025, and honored several individuals for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
- The Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch aims to shape positive perceptions around faith and spirituality within the entertainment industry and introduce new research on how audiences experience faith on screen.
Introduction to the Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch
The Sundance Film Festival will play host to the Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch, presented by the Coalition for Faith & Media, on January 23. This event is a significant gathering of creative minds in the entertainment industry, featuring a range of conversations and discussions that explore the intersection of faith and entertainment. The brunch is a follow-up to Variety’s Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, which took place on December 4, 2025, and honored several individuals for their contributions to the entertainment industry. The Honors were hosted by Jay Shetty and recognized the achievements of Tiffany Haddish, Mo Amer, Zahn McClarnon, Bridget Everett, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, and more.
Conversation with Patrick Schwarzenegger
The Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch will kick off with a conversation with actor Patrick Schwarzenegger, moderated by Variety’s Co-Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Littleton. This conversation will set the tone for the rest of the event, exploring the ways in which faith and spirituality influence the work of creative professionals in the entertainment industry. Schwarzenegger will likely share his own experiences and insights on the role of faith in his career, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and entertainment. The conversation will be followed by "A Closer Look at the Faith and Entertainment Index 2026," which will explore top findings from research conducted by HarrisX, investigating faith in storytelling and its influence on modern audiences in America.
The Faith and Entertainment Index 2026
The Faith and Entertainment Index 2026 is a significant research project that aims to understand the influence of faith on storytelling and modern audiences. The research, conducted by HarrisX, will provide valuable insights into the ways in which faith is represented in film and television, and how audiences respond to these representations. The executive director of the Coalition for Faith & Media, Brooke Zaugg, will present the findings of the research, highlighting the key trends and discoveries that have emerged from the study. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of faith and entertainment, and will likely spark important discussions and debates about the role of faith in the entertainment industry.
The Spirituality & Entertainment Roundtable
The Spirituality & Entertainment Roundtable is a highlight of the Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch, featuring a range of creative professionals who are influenced and inspired by spirituality in their work. The roundtable will be moderated by Cynthia Littleton and will feature Poh Si Teng, director and producer of "American Doctor"; Alex Edelman, Emmy-winning writer, actor, and comedian, known for his work on "The Paper" and "Alex Edelman: Just for Us"; Sterlin Harjo, creator and executive producer of "The Lowdown" and "Reservation Dogs"; and Jeff Hiller, Emmy-winning actor, known for his work on "Somebody, Somewhere"; "Pluribus"; and "Widow’s Bay". This roundtable will provide a unique opportunity for these creative professionals to share their experiences and insights on the role of spirituality in their work, and to explore the ways in which faith and spirituality can shape the creative process.
Partnership between Variety and the Coalition for Faith & Media
The Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch is the result of a partnership between Variety and the Coalition for Faith & Media. This partnership aims to promote positive perceptions of faith and spirituality within the entertainment industry, and to provide a platform for creative professionals to explore the intersection of faith and entertainment. Dea Lawrence, Variety’s publisher and co-president, noted that the partnership is an important opportunity to continue the conversations that began at the Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors in December. The Coalition for Faith & Media is a leading organization that seeks to promote greater understanding and respect for faith and spirituality in the entertainment industry. By partnering with Variety, the Coalition aims to reach a wider audience and to promote a more nuanced and informed understanding of the role of faith in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The Spirituality & Entertainment Brunch is a significant event that will take place on January 23 at the Sundance Film Festival. The event will feature a range of conversations and discussions that explore the intersection of faith and entertainment, including the influence of faith on storytelling and modern audiences. With a range of creative professionals participating, including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Alex Edelman, Jeff Hiller, Poh Si Teng, and Sterlin Harjo, the event is sure to provide a unique and insightful perspective on the role of faith in the entertainment industry. As Dea Lawrence noted, the event continues the momentum of Variety’s Faith & Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, and provides an opportunity for creative professionals to shape positive perceptions around faith and spirituality within the entertainment industry.
