The North Fork TV Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will return to Sound View in Greenport on Tuesday, June 17, and Wednesday, June 18.
Christopher Meloni, known for his role in “Law & Order,” will receive the 2025 Canopy Award, which honors a career marked by lasting impact and innovation in television. Tramell Tillman, recognized for his work in “Severance,” will be the recipient of the 2025 Breakout Performance Award, celebrating his captivating performance that defined a significant moment in television.
Confirmed guests for the festival include Chris Briney from “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Anna Chlumsky from “Veep,” Richard Kind from “Only Murders in the Building,” Susan Kelechi Watson from “This Is Us” and “The Residence,” and Jenn Lyon from “Claws.” They will share behind-the-scenes insights and reflect on their artistic journeys.
We spoke to festival founder Noah Doyle to learn more about this year’s events.
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the North Fork TV Festival! Are there any standout moments from the past decade that you remember the most?
The journey has been filled with memorable moments, but it’s also been one of resilience and evolution. From navigating the challenges of Covid-19 to the unexpected closing of the historic Greenport Theatre, we’ve had to adapt in big ways. Each hurdle pushed us to reimagine what the festival could be. One standout has been watching the festival grow from a regional event into a respected festival for the television industry, all while staying deeply connected to the charm and support of the North Fork community. The generosity and enthusiasm from our neighbors have been a great deal of our success.
You will honor Christopher Meloni with the 2025 Canopy Award this year. Can you discuss what this honor means and the decision-making process for selecting an honoree?
The Canopy Award celebrates excellence, impact, and innovation in television, and Christopher Meloni exemplifies all three. He has delivered iconic performances and shown incredible range throughout his career, while also supporting groundbreaking storytelling in the TV space. The selection process for the Canopy Award is thoughtful and intentional. We consider individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the television landscape, both on-screen and behind the scenes. This year, given the festival’s 10th anniversary, we wanted someone who resonates with both audiences and industry peers—and Chris is the perfect fit. Honoring him during Emmy Week adds an extra layer of relevance and recognition.
What are some additional highlights for the upcoming North Fork TV Festival in June?
This year’s programming includes exclusive screenings, thought-provoking panels, and curated networking events that offer real value to television professionals.
One of the most exciting additions is a reimagined Inside the Actors Studio series. This year, it takes on a piano-bar-style format, creating an intimate, relaxed environment for candid, back-to-back conversations with some of today’s most compelling TV talent.
