William DeMeo gets IAOTP top actor, producer honor

The International Association of Top Professionals selected William DeMeo as Top Actor and Producer of the Year 2026 and will honor him at its annual gala later this year at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. IAOTP also plans to feature DeMeo on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s award spotlights DeMeo’s long career across film, television and stage. - The honor also puts a spotlight on his role as a writer, producer and director, not just an actor. - The recognition can lift visibility for DeMeo’s next projects and for his crime drama series, Gravesend.

What happened: - IAOTP selected William DeMeo as Top Actor and Producer of the Year 2026. - IAOTP will honor DeMeo at its annual awards gala later this year at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - IAOTP will also feature DeMeo on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square. - Stephanie Cirami, president of IAOTP, called DeMeo an “easy decision” for the panel and praised his talent, leadership, creativity and dedication.

The details: - DeMeo has worked for decades in film, television and stage. - DeMeo is the creator, writer, producer and star of Gravesend. - Gravesend is set in 1980s Brooklyn and centers on gritty, character-driven storytelling and Italian-American family dynamics. - DeMeo has appeared in The Sopranos, Law & Order, Third Watch, Blue Bloods and Person of Interest. - His film credits include Analyze This, Analyze That, Hackers, Boss of Bosses, Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, Back in the Day, First Kill, That’s Amore, Gotti and Complex Texas. - In Gotti, DeMeo played Sammy “The Bull” Gravano alongside John Travolta. - DeMeo wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in Wannabes. - Wannabes was picked up by Artisan Entertainment, released theatrically and later released on DVD nationwide in 2002. - DeMeo won Best Actor for Wannabes at the New York Independent International Film Festival. - Wannabes also won Best Director and Best Supporting Actor awards. - DeMeo later produced, co-wrote and starred in Searching for Bobby D. - Searching for Bobby D featured Carmen Electra, Sandra Bernhard, Mario Cantone, Tyson Beckford and Tony Darrow. - Searching for Bobby D won multiple Audience Favorite and Best Comedy Feature awards at international film festivals. - IAOTP describes its awards as selective and says honorees are chosen for professional accomplishments, leadership, longevity, community contributions and industry influence.

Between the lines: - The award fits a career built on both commercial work and independent projects. - IAOTP is using the honor to reinforce its brand as a selective professional network with high-profile recognition events. - DeMeo’s work on Gravesend suggests his current focus remains on stories tied to authenticity and lived experience.

What's next: - DeMeo will be honored at IAOTP’s annual gala in New York City later this year. - DeMeo says he plans to keep expanding his creative portfolio and producing new projects. - IAOTP says the gala will celebrate excellence and achievement among its honorees. - More information is available on the IAOTP Official Website.