North Fork TV Festival Honors J. Smith-Cameron

The North Fork TV Festival will honor Emmy Award nominee J. Smith-Cameron, actress of stage and screen, with this year’s Canopy Award at a gala celebration. Smith-Cameron, star of HBO’s “Succession,” will be recognized at a waterfront dinner on Saturday, October 22, at 7 p.m. at Claudio’s Restaurant in Greenport. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets via the North Fork TV Festival website.

The Canopy Award honors a member of the New York television community whose persistence and integrity, bound by the spirits of independence and collaboration, stoke the creative ambitions of people who have important stories to tell. Smith-Cameron will be presented with a letter of commendation for her commitment to the arts across multiple genres and her impact on young people and emerging artists to excel in film, television, and theater. Previous recipients of this award include Jeremy Sisto, Kelsey Grammer and Aida Turturro.

“I’m so honored to be named this year’s Canopy Award recipient,” said Smith-Cameron. “The importance of providing a platform that empowers emerging creators, cannot be overstated, and the amazing work North Fork TV Festival is doing to be that voice is truly appreciated. Thank you again for this incredible recognition and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Greenport.”

Additionally, the North Fork TV Festival will formally introduce Monica Halpert, the organization’s first executive director, at this year’s ceremony. In this newly created position, Halpert leads the development and articulation of a strategic vision for the festival as well as an operational plan to execute an exceptional experience for all attendees.

“As a TV-obsessed, long-time North Forker, I’m thrilled to take on a role that aggregates the things I’m most passionate about,” said Halpert. “The North Fork of Long Island is teeming with vibrancy, creativity and opportunity, especially emerging from the last few years. I can’t imagine a better time, or place, to embrace the bold vision of the Festival’s founders and catapult it to the next level.”

Halpert comes to the North Fork TV Festival having held leadership roles most recently in several purpose-driven organizations as the CMO of Sundance Institute and Amy’s Kitchen and before that, as a Strategic Advisor to the Toronto International Film Festival and Stanford School. Additionally, Halpert has served as CMO-in-residence for NBC Universal and as CMO and editorial chief of Bluefly.com.

“Monica has a rich history in leading and cultivating companies to new levels and brings a distinct vision to enhance the North Fork TV Festival that is unmatched,” said Alan Doyle, president of the North Fork TV Festival board of directors. “We couldn’t be more excited for her to join our leadership team in this pivotal time of the festival’s future.”

“Monica’s previous experience working in the content and festival space brings a distinct perspective and set of skills that are essential for us, moving forward,” said Jonathan Shafter, co-founder and treasurer of the North Fork TV Festival. “She will play a critical role in the evolution of the festival, and we know that she is up for the challenge. Welcome to the team, Monica.”

Entering its eighth year, The North Fork TV Festival champions the evolution of television and the independent spirit of the North Fork, while convening the innovative minds of executives and emerging creators, directors, writers and actors.

Tickets for the dinner at Claudio’s start at $350 at northfork.tv.