The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce that the acclaimed comedian, actor, podcaster and cultural icon Sebastian Maniscalco will be the first prize winner of the Gala for the 51st anniversary of the NIAF, which will be held on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Washington Hilton, D.C. This prestigious event will pay tribute to important Italian and Italian leaders, while at the same time celebrating the ongoing commitment of NIAF in the preservation and promotion of Italian heritage in the United States.
Sebastian Maniscalco is a record comedian with over two decades of extraordinary success. Celebrated for its dynamic physical comedy and sharp narrative, it has broken sales records and appearances in the main palaces, including Madison Square Garden, United Center, Scotiabank Arena, Prudential Center, UBS Arena and Hertz Arena, becoming the first comedian to perform as headliner in the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
“We are honored to award Sebastian Maniscalco to our Gala for the 51st anniversary,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. «Sebastian has dedicated his career to celebrating what it means to be Italian American, with honesty, humor and unmistakable authenticity. Its history is that of many Italian-American families, and its success bears witness to the values that define our community”.
Maniscalco conquered the first place as a comedy tour with the most recessed in the Billboard Midyear 2025 Boxscore Report, entered the Top 20 global of Pollstar concert tours (in all genres) and closed the year as a third comedy tour with the largest overall collection. His special It Ain’t Right, registered at the United Center, became the number one title on Hulu within 24 hours of the exit. Bestseller and co-host of The Pete and Sebastian Show, he starred in the dramatic comedy Oscar Green Book, in crime epico candidate at the Oscar The Irishman and in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He also co-wrote, produced and interpreted About My Father alongside Robert De Niro, who later became a global success on Netflix. She is the protagonist of the Bookie series, she lends her voice to the Apple Easy Money podcast: The Charles Ponzi Story and, together with his wife Lana, supports veterans, Alzheimer’s research and access to education for disadvantaged children through the Tag You’re It! Foundation.
The Gala for the 51st anniversary of the NIAF will also be a special tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States and to the decisive contribution that Italians and Italians have given to the foundation, growth and enrichment of the country. From the time of exploration to the fields of science, art, cuisine and politics, the Italian American heritage is interwoven in the fabric of American life and the Gala will proudly celebrate this tradition.
To make the evening even more significant, the Gala will honor the Lombardy region as “Regione d’Onore” NIAF 2026. Italy’s economic engine and seat of the Winter Olympics Milan Cortina 2026, Lombardy represents the fusion of tradition and innovation that goes through the centuries: from the global leadership of Milan in fashion and finance to the legendary Stradivari violins of Cremona, from iconic brands like Campari to secular artisan traditions.
During the day, the NIAF will also host the NIAF Forum at the Washington Hilton, with a series of conferences and meetings dedicated to culture, heritage and Italian and Italian successes. The Forum will bring together leaders of thought, cultural figures and community representatives for a day of discussion and deepening before the evening celebrations.
A part of the Gala proceeds will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, including study trips to Italy for students and other initiatives aimed at connecting the new generations of Italian Americans to their roots. Programs that ensure the continuity of NIAF impact over time.
Further rewards and details on the program will be announced in the coming months. For information about tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities, visit NIAF.org.
The article La NIAF has named the first gala award for the 51st anniversary: Sebastian Maniscalco comes from IlNewyorkese.
