Christopher Meloni is a powerhouse of talent whose dynamic performances and fearless storytelling have shaped the television and film industries. His dedication to bringing complex, unforgettable characters to life embodies the spirit of the Canopy Award, which honors those who champion diverse storytelling with persistence, integrity, and inclusivity. We are thrilled to recognize his extraordinary career and welcome him to the Ten Year Anniversary North Fork TV Festival. - Noah Doyle Founder North Fork TV Festival
Christopher Meloni stars as Det. Elliot Stabler in the hit Peacock drama series “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” now in its fifth season. He also serves as executive producer of the series.
Meloni has starred in the Hulu British comedy “Maxxx” as well as in SYFY's dark comedy “Happy!” based on Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson's graphic novel. In addition to his starring roles as Nick Sax, he directed an episode and executive produced the series. He also co-starred in the third season of the critically acclaimed Hulu series “The Handmaid's Tale”.
Meloni had a guest arc on the breakout FX series “Pose,” from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. He also appeared in the landmark historical series “Underground,” executive produced by John Legend, and directed an episode.
Following his breakout role on “NYPD Blue," Meloni was cast in HBO's gritty prison drama “Oz” and then moved on to “Law & Order: SVU," where he received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Following his 12 seasons on “SVU," Meloni returned to HBO in Alan Ball's wildly popular drama “True Blood” and the Julia Louis-Dreyfus starrer “Veep”.
Meloni's film credits include “Diary of a Teenage Girl,” “White Bird in a Blizzard," “Sin City: Dame to Kill For," “Man of Steel," “42," “They Came Together," the Terry Gilliam films “Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas" and “Twelve Monkeys,” “Bound,” “Runaway Bride,” “Nights In Rodanthe,” “Carriers,” and the cult favorites “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” and its first sequel “Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay."
Photo Credit: Klara Waldberg
The Canopy Award honors a member of the New York television community who's persistence and integrity, bound by the twin spirits of independence and collaboration, stoke the creative ambitions of diverse people who have important stories to tell.
Photo Credit: Klara Waldberg
The North Fork Breakout Performance Award celebrates an actor or television creative whose performance has captivated audiences and defined a moment in television. This award recognizes a standout role that showcases exceptional talent, depth, and originality, one that resonates within the industry and highlights dynamic storytelling.
“The Breakout Performance Award was created to honor those rare performances that not only showcase exceptional talent, but also shift the way we experience television. Tramell Tillman embodies that spirit completely—his portrayal of Milchick in ‘Severance’ is a masterclass in nuance, intensity, and innovation. We look forward to celebrating him at the 2025 festival.” - Noah Doyle Founder North Fork TV Festival
Tramell Tillman currently stars as Seth Milchick in the award-winning Apple TV+ series SEVERANCE. For his role, he has earned SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominations. This spring, he will star alongside Tom Cruise in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING, which will premiere at Cannes.
Tillman is currently in production on the Amazon MGM film YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER. His TV credits include Marti Noxon’s AMC series DIETLAND, GODFATHER OF HARLEM and HUNTERS. His film credits include the HBO Max film SWEETHEARTS and the indie BARRON’S COVE.
In 2024, Tillman starred with Neil Patrick Harris, Debra Messing, Jane Krakowski, Constance Wu and Garret Dillahunt in Manhattan Class Company’s SHIT. MEET. FAN. In 2022, he starred opposite Sean Hayes in the Goodman Theater’s GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR. Tillman originated the role of ALVIN and continued to serve as creative consultant for the Broadway production. He made his Broadway debut in THE GREAT SOCIETY (Vivian Beaumont) starring Brian Cox. Before that, he was in CARMEN JONES (CSC) starring opposite Anika Noni Rose. He has been a residing member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he helped launch the Tony nominated play SWEAT by Lynn Nottage. He continued performing his lead role at the Arena Stage in Washington DC. He currently resides in New York City.
“Christopher Briney has that rare magnetism that draws you in and holds you there. His work on ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ reflects both a sensitivity and strength that signals the arrival of a major new talent. He embodies the spirit of the Rising Star Award and we’re honored to recognize him at the 2025 festival.” - Noah Doyle Founder North Fork TV Festival
Actor Christopher Briney is rising quickly in the ranks of Hollywood's leading men, distinguishing himself with a variety of nuanced, memorable performances. He is best-known for his starring role as "Conrad Fisher" in Amazon’s hit series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on the popular, bestselling book series of the same title. Season three will premiere in Summer 2025. Briney recently starred as "Aaron Samuels" in Paramount’s highly anticipated Mean Girls movie musical, produced by Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey. Briney made his film debut starring opposite Sir Ben Kingsley in Dalíland as "James," Dalí’s young gallery assistant who is thrust into the vibrant but turbulent NY art scene of the 1970's.The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto Film festival. Briney grew up in Connecticut before moving to New York to attend Pace University where he received a BFA in Acting for Film, TV, Voiceover and Commercial.
Photo Credit: Klara Waldberg
The North Fork Rising Star Award honors an emerging talent in television whose recent work showcases a strong creative voice and growing influence. This award celebrates individuals poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
