The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce that acclaimed comedian, actor, podcast host and cultural icon Sebastian Maniscalco will be the first honoree named for the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala, to be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the historic Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
This premier event will honor distinguished Italian and Italian American leaders while celebrating NIAF’s enduring commitment to preserving and promoting Italian heritage in America.
Sebastian Maniscalco is a record-breaking comedian with over two decades of unparalleled success. Renowned for his dynamic physical comedy and razor-sharp storytelling, he has shattered ticket sales and attendance records at premier venues including Madison Square Garden, United Center, Scotiabank Arena, Prudential Center, UBS Arena, and Hertz Arena—and made history as the first comedian to headline Los Angeles’ new Intuit Dome.
“We are honored to recognize Sebastian Maniscalco at our 51st Anniversary Gala,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “Sebastian has spent his career celebrating what it means to be Italian American—with honesty, humor, and unmistakable authenticity. His story is the story of so many Italian American families, and his success is a testament to the values that define our community.”
Maniscalco earned the #1 spot for highest-grossing comedy tour in Billboard’s Midyear 2025 Boxscore Report, ranked among Pollstar’s Top 20 Global Concert Tours across all genres, and closed the year as the third highest-grossing comedy tour overall. His special It Ain’t Right, filmed at United Center, became Hulu’s #1 title within 24 hours. A bestselling author and co-host of The Pete and Sebastian Show, he has appeared in the Oscar-winning comedy-drama Green Book, the Oscar-nominated crime epic The Irishman, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and co-wrote, produced, and starred opposite Robert De Niro in About My Father, later a global hit on Netflix. He stars in Bookie, voices Apple’s Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story, and, with his wife Lana, supports veterans, Alzheimer’s research, and educational access for children across underserved communities through the Tag You’re It! Foundation.
The NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will also serve as a special salute to America’s 250th anniversary and the profound contributions Italians and Italian Americans have made to the founding, building, and enriching of the United States. From the age of exploration to the fields of science, art, cuisine, politics, and beyond, the Italian American legacy is woven into the fabric of American life, and the Gala will proudly recognize that heritage.
Adding special significance to the evening, the Gala will also honor the Italian region of Lombardia as NIAF’s 2026 Region of Honor. Italy’s economic powerhouse and the home of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Lombardia represents the remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation that spans centuries—from Milan’s global fashion and finance leadership to Cremona’s legendary Stradivarius violins, from iconic brands like Campari to centuries-old artisanal traditions.
Earlier in the day, NIAF will host the NIAF Forum at the Washington Hilton, featuring a series of engaging lectures and talks exploring Italian and Italian American culture, heritage, and achievement. The Forum will bring together thought leaders, cultural luminaries, and community advocates for a day of dialogue and discovery before the night’s festivities.
A portion of the proceeds from the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, including student trips to Italy and other initiatives that connect the next generation of Italian Americans with their heritage. These programs ensure that NIAF’s impact endures for generations to come.
Additional honorees and program details for the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will be announced in the coming months. For information on tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.NIAF.org.
