02/27/2026
NIAF to Honor Sebastian Maniscalco!
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has named Sebastian Maniscalco as the first honoree of the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala, taking place October 17, 2026 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
A proud son of Italian immigrants, Maniscalco’s roots trace to Cefalù in Sicily and Napoli in Campania. Sebastian Maniscalco is a record-breaking comedian who has led one of the highest-grossing comedy tours in history, selling out multiple consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden, United Center, and other major venues across the U.S. He has appeared in films such as the Oscar-nominated crime epic The Irishman, the Oscar-winning comedy-dramaGreen Book, and About My Father. Maniscalco's comedy specials have been featured on major streaming networks like Hulu, Netflix, and Showtime, and he is a best-selling author of the memoir Stay Hungry.
This year’s Gala will also salute America’s 250th anniversary and honor Lombardia as NIAF’s 2026 Region of Honor.
Join us for a black tie evening celebrating Italian and Italian American excellence while supporting scholarships and cultural programs that connect future generations to their heritage.
Learn more about tickets and sponsorships: https://www.niaf.org/events/51st-anniversary-dc-gala/