Photo credit: Janet Donovan
“I’m certainly very proud to be an Italian-American,” said actor John Turturro (think Robert Redford’s Quiz Show) at NIAF’s 39th Anniversary Gala Dinner at The Washington Hilton. “I’ve always believed that to know who you are you have to understand where you came from.”
John Turturro
“My parents and my grandparents work ethic and approach to life was instilled in me at a very early age. I had the privilege of being able to go to school and study and pursue what I love. It was through Italian cinema that I experienced the world that my family came from,” he added during his acceptance speech for Special Achievement in Entertainment.
“This is a country and a place that I don’t take for granted. We are a nation of immigrants and these riches of cultures is what makes this nation unique and strong. To become an American is a long sequitious journey. At the same time, we shouldn’t forget the tremendous sacrifice our relatives made to get us here. I share your acknowledgement of my work with my parents, Nicholas and Katherine who I wish were here tonight.”
brothers Pino and Melo Cicala
Since 1965, he has not paused since,” exclaimed Co-Host Joe Piscopo when introducing Pino Cicala. “I can’t imagine that.”
Turturro was amongst six honoerees that included Pino Cicala (Community Leadership); David Cordani (Business & Health); Danile A. D’Aniello (Business); Susan Molinari (Public Service); and Pasqualino Monti (International Business).
The Ambassador of Italy, Claudio Bisogniero with Laura Denise Bisogniero
The Scene:
