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Naya Desir-Johnson earned the Grace Award for Movies (Actress) at the 33rd Annual Movieguide® Faith & Values Awards for her performance as Sarah Rector in the historical drama Sarah’s Oil. The ceremony was held February 6, 2026 at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, celebrating films and television projects that highlight inspiring stories and meaningful values.

The Grace Award recognizes performers whose work brings uplifting messages to audiences through powerful storytelling. Desir-Johnson’s portrayal of Sarah Rector introduces viewers to the extraordinary true story of the young Black entrepreneur who became one of the first Black female millionaires in the United States after oil was discovered on her land in early-20th-century Oklahoma.

Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and written by Betsy Nowrasteh, Sarah’s Oil explores themes of faith, perseverance, and resilience while bringing renewed attention to the remarkable legacy of Sarah Rector.

Desir-Johnson was nominated alongside Vanessa Kirby (The Fantastic Four: First Steps), Rebekah Schafer (Light of the World), Jana Kramer (The Christmas Ring), and Uma Thurman (The King of Kings), recognizing a distinguished group of actresses whose performances reflect the values celebrated by the Movieguide Awards.

In addition to Desir-Johnson’s individual recognition, Sarah’s Oil also received nominations for Faith & Freedom Award for Movies and Best Movie for Mature Audiences, with the film going on to win Best Movie for Mature Audiences, further highlighting the impact of its inspiring story during awards season.

During the ceremony, Desir-Johnson also appeared on stage to present the Aletheia Award for Best Documentary, which honors documentary films that explore truth and meaningful storytelling.

The annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards bring together filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders committed to creating entertainment that inspires audiences around the world. The event celebrates projects that highlight hope, courage, and faith through the power of storytelling.

For Desir-Johnson, the Grace Award marks another milestone in the journey of Sarah’s Oil, a film that continues to introduce audiences to the inspiring story of Sarah Rector and the enduring message at the heart of her legacy.