Upwardly Global is proud to announce that Marco Calvani will be honored with the Global Visionary Award at our Brighter Futures Together Gala on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. ET at Tribeca 360° in New York City.
Originally from Italy, Marco moved to the U.S. to pursue his artistic vision and has since become a leading voice in American theater and film. He is an Italian playwright, filmmaker, and actor whose work captures immigrant narratives with emotional depth and urgency. He currently stars in Netflix’s new hit series “The Four Seasons,” playing opposite Tina Fey and Oscar-nominees Steve Carell and Colman Domingo, and is on a national publicity tour, with recent appearances on the “Today Show” and other major media outlets.
A bold and visionary storyteller, Marco’s work spans theater, film, and television. His award-winning short film “The View From Up Here,” starring Oscar-winner Melissa Leo and Leïla Bekhti, explores the experience of a Syrian refugee in a xenophobic America.
His debut feature film “High Tide” premiered at SXSW to critical acclaim (NY Times Critic’s Pick, Top 25 films of 2024 for IndieWire, GLAAD nomination for Best Feature Film). It follows a queer Brazilian immigrant navigating love, fear, and visa uncertainty in the U.S., and stars Brazilian actor Marco Pigossi, Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei, and Tony-winner Bill Irwin.
His upcoming film “Capitana,” co-written with the Tony-winning playwright and activist V (formerly Eve Ensler), is based on the memoir of Pia Klemp, a German marine biologist who led refugee rescue missions in the Mediterranean and faced criminal charges for her humanitarian work.
Through these stories, Marco elevates underrepresented voices and challenges audiences to see the world with greater compassion.
Over the course of his 30-year career in theatre and filmmaking, Marco has collaborated with institutions such as London’s National Theatre, Sundance Institute, La MaMa, and the Venice Biennale.
We are proud to honor Marco Calvani for his contributions to the arts and his commitment to storytelling that uplifts and empowers immigrants.