Illuminate 2025 Recap: A Million Strong—And Just Getting Started
This year’s Illuminate livestream made one thing clear: the movement is growing faster than ever.
On May 8, the Angel Guild, a community of over one million members, tuned in to celebrate the people, power, and purpose behind Angel’s growing impact on the world of storytelling. From surprise announcements to brand-new feature reveals, Illuminate 2025 showcased what the Angel Guild has accomplished—and where we’re headed next.
Highlights from the Event:
1. One Million Guild Members
Angel Studios has officially crossed the one million mark—and this isn’t just a number. It’s a global community of people who aren’t just consuming content… they’re creating change. You are the reason stories like The Last Rodeo, The King of Kings, and Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot exist.
2. Introducing the Share Feature
Announced live during the event, the new Share feature gives Guild members the ability to share any Angel show or movie with friends and family—instantly and for free. No passwords. No strings. Just click the share button in the Angel app or on the web, and send a full-length film to someone who needs it. Thousands have already joined the Guild through this feature. Now it’s your turn to share the light.
3. Family Voting Has Arrived
For the first time, Guild families can create individual profiles for each member and cast separate votes on new projects. From animated adventures to historical dramas, kids and parents now have equal say in what gets made next—and family movie night just became way more fun (and influential).
4. The Year Ahead: A Stacked Slate
From sneak peeks at Truth & Treason, Sketch, and Zero A.D., to new seasons of Testament, Tuttle Twins, Miracle, and Homestead, the Guild got first looks at what’s coming to theaters and the Angel app in 2025 and beyond.
5. Celebrating Guild Impact
In total, the Guild has helped direct over $179 million to filmmakers in the form of royalties. This model—built on partnership, not gatekeeping—is fueling stories that would otherwise never get made. Illuminate 2025 reminded us that every membership, vote, and share is shaping the future of film.
6. A New Goal: One Million More
This year, we’re setting a bold new target: bringing one million new people into the movement. Through the Share feature, Pay It Forward ticketing, and family voting, we’re inviting friends, neighbors, and communities everywhere to experience what Angel is all about.
Guild Awards Spotlight
TheAngel Guild Awards recognizes the films, shows, and talent that moved audiences the most. Voted on entirely by Guild members, these awards celebrate the best of Angel storytelling.
2025 Winners Include:
Best Torch: The Bull
Best Episode: The Wayfinders
Best Series: Tuttle Twins
Best Movie: Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Best Comedian: Jeff Allen’s Roaster Chicken
Best Animated Movie: The King of Kings
These awards are a reflection of Guild values—authenticity, light, and the power of story—and a celebration of the creators and communities that bring them to life.
Click here to see more images from the event!
Ready to Amplify Light?
If you’re not yet a Guild member, this is your moment. Join a movement that’s rebuilding the entertainment industry from the ground up—one vote, one share, one story at a time.
And if you already are a member: thank you. Now… go share your favorite Angel film, and let’s get one million more people to help amplify light.
Join the Guild to Unlock Masterful Storytelling.
Help Transform the Industry.
Join our mission to infuse the industry with high-quality, uplifting entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Angel Studios’ library is filled with movies and shows that don’t just entertain, but inspire you to lead a better life.
