The North Fork TV Festival will return to Greenport, New York, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, for its 11th annual celebration of television, bringing together acclaimed actors, writers, directors, producers, executives and emerging talent for two days of screenings, conversations, industry panels and special events.
This year’s festival will honor Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer and television host Anthony Anderson with the 2026 Canopy Award; recognize acclaimed actress, producer and entrepreneur Kate Walsh with the Ambassador for the Arts Award; and present Critics Choice and Tony Award-nominated actress Denée Benton with the Breakout Performance Award, presented by Citrin Cooperman. The festival will also welcome returning honoree Bridget Moynahan for an “In Talks With…” conversation and dinner presented by Deadline.
The 2026 participating talent lineup includes Anthony Anderson of “Black-ish,” Kelsey Grammer of “Frasier,” Bridget Moynahan of “Blue Bloods,” Kate Walsh of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Kelly AuCoin of “Billions,” Melissa Navia of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” Michael Nathanson of “Love Story” and Denée Benton of “The Gilded Age,” alongside independent storytellers and leading voices from across the television industry.
“We are thrilled to return to Greenport for our 11th year and welcome such an extraordinary group of artists to the festival,” said Noah Doyle, founder of the North Fork TV Festival. “From honoring established talent whose work has shaped television to showcasing emerging storytellers and original projects, the festival creates an opportunity for meaningful conversations about the craft, business and future of the medium. We look forward to bringing the television community together for another memorable year.”
2026 Festival Honorees
The festival will recognize Anthony Anderson with the 2026 Canopy Award, its highest honor, during a presentation and conversation Thursday, Oct. 22, at Sound View Greenport. Anderson is best known for starring as Andre “Dre” Johnson on ABC’s “Black-ish,” earning seven consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a comedy series. His credits span television, film and hosting, including “Law & Order,” “The Departed,” the 75th Emmy Awards and Netflix’s “Star Search.”
Kate Walsh will receive the 2026 Ambassador for the Arts Award, recognizing her contributions to television, film and stage. Best known for her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” her additional credits include “The Umbrella Academy,” “Emily in Paris” and “Fargo.”
Denée Benton, who stars as Peggy Scott in HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” will receive the Breakout Performance Award, presented by Citrin Cooperman. A Critics’ Choice and Tony Award-nominated actress, Benton has also appeared on Broadway in “Hamilton,” “Into the Woods” and “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.” She will participate in an “In Talks With…” conversation Thursday, Oct. 22, at The Library at Sound View Greenport.
“In Talks With…” and Industry Programming
The 2026 festival will feature the return of In Talks With…, the VIP-only conversation series introduced at last year’s festival. Confirmed participants include Kelsey Grammer, Melissa Navia, Kelly AuCoin, Bridget Moynahan and Denée Benton, with additional programming details to be announced.
The intimate conversations will explore the experiences, career paths and creative processes of the people behind some of television’s most recognizable performances and productions, offering audiences insight into the challenges, opportunities and evolving landscape of the industry.
Additional confirmed programming includes “Storytelling and Television in the Age of AI,” an industry-focused session examining the relationship between artificial intelligence, creativity and the future of television, as well as the festival’s “Independent Pilot Screening Sessions,” which spotlight emerging storytellers and original television projects.
The festival will also feature industry panels, exclusive screenings, networking opportunities and special events designed to connect established professionals with the next generation of television talent. Programming will culminate in gatherings and intimate dinners at American Beech Hospitality and Sound View Greenport.
Independent Pilot and Television Script Competition Winners
The festival’s Artistic Director, television and film producer Mike Stern, has announced the winners of the 2026 Independent Pilot Competition and Television Script Competition, continuing the festival’s commitment to discovering and supporting original voices.
The Independent Pilot Competition winners are:
• You Are Here…, directed by Mandy Fabian
• Matched, directed by Elvira Ibragimova
• Burncoat, directed by Jay Martin
• Kings County, directed by K.M. Murphy
• Cell Block B, directed by Jan Prušinovsky
The Television Script Competition winners are:
• Bastards of Young, written by Alberto Nissim
• Intercourse, written by A.R. Pidich and D.S. Pidich
• (She’s Fine Now), written by Jill Greenwood
• Frankfurter, written by Jennifer Sondag
• Hunting Mickey, written by Gregg Greenberg and Michael Rispoli
The festival’s competition program supports independent television development by identifying original projects and providing opportunities for selected storytellers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
Festival passes and individual tickets are available at northfork.tv/tickets. For programming details, guest announcements and updates, visit northfork.tv and follow @NorthForkTV on Instagram.
