Each January, FaithVisuals.com looks through the videos added to the site during the previous year and picks out the best in different categories. This is by no means an exhaustive list—the videos below just caught our eyes, grabbed our attention, made us think, and/or were made really, really well.

So, without further ado, I'm proud to present the 2008 Faith in Focus Awards, honoring excellence in Christian church multimedia:

Best Comedy: "Lead"
This video, part of the super-popular "Christ-Follower" series from Community Christian Church, takes a hard look at the ways we choose to demonstrate our faith. Its amusing style belies a message that packs a punch—the message of living out our faith, not just cloistering ourselves (even if it's with a "jPod").

Other nominees: "Baptism by Water Cooler" by Community Christian Church; "Sammy Snorkel: A Small Group of One" by Beamer Films; "Real Christians of Genius" by Igniter Media Group; "The Danger of Greed" by Media Fuel; "Eat This Book 3" by Community Christian Church

Best Drama: "Starving Jesus"
This powerful video from Difted Films (and the title video in the "Starving Jesus" series) dares to ask some provocative—and for many of us, personal—questions about faith, trust, doubt, and sin. It does so without resorting to cheesy clichés or nonsensical answers, instead electing to approach the questions with honesty, real emotion, and a poignant authenticity.

Other nominees: "Wounded Bride" by Beamer Films; "Secrets" by Media Fuel; "Enthroned" by FortyOneTwenty; "The Inner-Net" by The Veracity Project

Best Motion Backdrop: "Grunge Fall Motion Backdrop 1"
This edgy, seasonal backdrop from Chris McGowan (part of his Fall Backgrounds Collection) is a great way to subtly weave a fall theme into your services. Using a popular distressed look, the clip incorporates leaves and trees and gives off a modern autumnal sheen.

Other nominees: "Yellow Poppy Flower Background" by eleven72; "Christ on Cross Loop—Earth Green" by Beamer Films; "Film Effect" by Highway Video; "Old Church Loop" by the Work of the People; "Cross on Beach" by Highway Video; "Blue Plaid" by Round Rock Studios; "Clouds with Rays 2" by FortyOneTwenty; "Autumn Scenes 16" by Worship Films; "Waterfall 13" by Worship Films; "Toddler Chases Bubbles" by Highway Video

Best Countdown: "Cross Abstract Countdown"
This powerful countdown, from Igniter Media Group and a part of IgniterBacks Volume 1, uses a distressed and mournful image of Christ on the cross as the subject of this poignant countdown. The light flickers, and the filter provides an interesting grainy effect as the numbers count down from five minutes.

Other nominees: "Arrow" by Round Rock Studios; "Countdown Evangelism Quotes" by Beamer Films; "Thanksgiving Countdown" by Restoration Videos; "African Nature Countdown" by Media Fuel; "Names Countdown" by Igniter Media Group

Best still/Still collection: "Snow Trees Path" and "11:59" (tie) Though these two still images tied, they couldn't be more different. "Snow Trees Path" is a beautiful still photo from Igniter Media Group, perfect for any service during the winter and holiday seasons. "11:59," on the other hand, is a hyper-stylized illustration from Narrow Gate Media, filled with dramatic pen strokes, and an edgy, graphic-novel feel.

Other nominees: "Streaming Sunlight" by SJM Management Co., Inc.; "Compass" by Midnight Oil Productions; "Iwo Jima" by Flashlight Films; "Grand Canyon 2" by SJM Management Co., Inc.; "Home Construction" by Midnight Oil Productions; "Jesus on Hill" by eleven72; "Under Construction" by PowerPoint Sermons; "Apostles Creed Still Image 3" by Flashlight Films

Best documentary: "Micro-Enterprise"
Often, when we're confronted with issues of social justice, we know we have to do something, but the answer isn't always obvious. This powerful video from twentyonehundred productions tackles that question head-on, and shows people acting decisively and effectively in unjust situations. The documentary looks at how organizations such as WorldVision are effectively using micro-enterprise ventures to effect real change in countries all over the world. The clip is perfect for inspiring action and a deeper consideration of social justice topics.

Other nominees: "Evangelism is an Action" by Media Fuel; "A Tree in Africa" by HopeTree.org; "Vows" by Scriptura; "Advent Conspiracy Liberia 3" by the Work of the People; "Indian Tribe History" by Christianity Today International; "Jim & Casper: The Project" by Off the Map

Best series: "Christ-Follower" and "Intersect|Culture" (tie) Though these two videos are in the same category, their tone and subject matter certainly are different. The popular "Christ-Follower" series from Community Christian Church masterfully parodies the Mac vs. PC television commercials, and, in so doing, exposes some provocative conclusions about the ways that Christians are viewed by our culture. The Intersect|Culture series, from Christianity Today International (which owns and operates FaithVisuals.com), explores ways that Christians are interacting with their culture, seeking to answer the question: "How can followers of Christ be a counterculture for the common good?"

Other nominees: "Advent Conspiracy Liberia" by the Work of the People; "Eat This Book" by Community Christian Church; "Jim & Casper Go to Church" by Off the Map; "Simply Invite" by Restoration Videos; "Powers & Authorities" by twentyonehundred productions; "Starving Jesus" by Difted Films

Ryan Hamm is assistant editor of FaithVisuals.com.