On November 3rd, the Closing Award Ceremony of the New York City Television Festival presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 60 years of golden television to legendary actor Tony LoBianco, known for his starring roles in The French Connection and The Seven’s Up.
The festival, founded in 2018 by Roberto Rizzo (NYCIFF) to celebrate emerging talent of some of the industry’s best directors, producers and actors in the golden era of linear and non-linear television debuted in New York City to over 250 guests. Roberto is also the founder and chariman of the New York City International Film Festival which will celebrate its tenth anniversary
The glitzy ceremony, hosted at the Dolby Screening Room in midtown Manhattan over two nights and featured over 13 exclusive screenings of top TV series and shorts from celebrated filmmakers from Russia, Iceland and the United States.
The VIP cocktail was hosted by presenting sponsor, Russian Standard Vodka, one of the world’s premium clear spirits who provided their signature cocktail, the Moscow Mule for guests to enjoy. On Saturday night, the cast and crew of Russian Nationals, led a toast to celebrate their television show based on the story a Russian immigrant’s journey to New York City at the Screening Finale. The emcee for the night was Steve Stanulis, known for his starring role in Wasted Talent with Lilo Brancato and presented the Rising Star Award to Jeff Lima, who starred alongside Ryan Gosling in Oscar nominate movie, Half Nelson and has a recurring role on NBC drama, Chicago Fire.
For the closing presentation, Tony LoBianco was invited to the stage to pay tribute to the service men and women in the US Armed Forces by reciting an emotional rendition of “A Soldier Died Today” in celebration of Veteran’s Day on November 12th.
New York City Television Festival Award Winners 2018
Best TV Series
Tinsel’s Town
Best International TV Series
The Bolshoi – from Russia
Best Leading Actress
Aimee Lynn Chadwick for Tinsel’s Town
Best Leading Actor
Murf Meyer for Tom & The Domme
Best Cinematography
The Bolshoi – from Russia
Best Director
Michael Lindsay-Hogg and David C Barry
for Tinsel’s Town
Best Documentary
Useless
ABOUT: The New York City TV Festival (NYCTVF) is an annual event produced by the Foundation for the Arts & Film 501(c)3; featuring top TV series from celebrated filmmakers as well as up-coming new talent from around the world. The mission of the NYCTVF is to support and promote talented filmmakers as they embark on their creative journeys. The festivals programming features new series and season premieres and highlights the work of independently produced TV projects through their Pilots Season program.
