Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe nominated actor, director, producer, and
activist Kerry Washington is a versatile and fearless multi-hyphenate
who continues to astound with the depth of her talent. A native of The
Bronx, New York, Washington has received high acclaim for her work in
film, television, and theater. Washington received widespread public
recognition for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama
_Scandal_, breaking barriers by becoming the first African-American
woman since 1974 to headline a network TV drama. Over the course of
seven seasons, Washington earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, a
Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and two NAACP Image Awards
for her leading role on the Peabody Award-winning series. With steamy
on-air chemistry and a flair for fashion, Washington turned Olivia
Pope into an iconic character. Washington’s performances over the
years have received many accolades, including nominations for the
Independent Spirit Awards, People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards,
and wins for the BET Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. Washington’s
film credits include: CARS 3, DJANGO UNCHAINED, RAY, THE LAST KING OF
SCOTLAND, SAVE THE LAST DANCE, LIFT, FOR COLORED GIRLS, NIGHT CATCHES
US, PEEPLES, THE DETAILS, MOTHER AND CHILD, LIFE IS HOT IN CRACKTOWN,
LAKEVIEW TERRACE, MIRACLE AT ST.ANNA, FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF SILVER,
I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE, THE DEAD GIRL, FANTASTIC FOUR, MR. & MRS.
SMITH, and OUR SONG. In 2016, Washington launched her production
company Simpson Street, which uses art, entertainment and technology
to share narratives that amplify our common humanity while affirming
the value of every individuals’ journey. Simpson Street’s first
project, HBO’s _Confirmation_, earned Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP
Image Award and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations. Simpson Street
launched the series Five Points on Facebook Watch in 2017, which
debuted its second season on the platform last August. Other projects
in development include: 24-7 with UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, THE
MOTHERS with Warner Bros., _Reasonable Doubt_ with ABC, and GOLDIE
VANCE with Fox. Washington and Simpson Street recently wrapped
production on _Little Fires Everywhere_ for Hulu alongside Reese
Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine productions. The series will begin
streaming on March 18th, 2020. Washington brought her latest film, THE
FIGHT to Sundance this past January where Magnolia Pictures picked up
the distribution rights. This documentary follows ACLU lawyers’ most
pertinent cases since the Trump administration enacted their “Muslim
Ban”. Washington is currently in production for Ryan Murphy’s THE
PROM for Netflix - she will star opposite Meryl Streep and Nicole
Kidman. In 2009, Washington made her Broadway debut in David Mamet’s
"Race," alongside James Spader and David Alan Grier. Washington
returned to the stage last year in Christopher Demos-Brown’s
"American Son" opposite Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan, and Eugene
Lee. Washington has received a Drama League Award nomination and vast
critical acclaim for her performance in the limited Broadway run. In
January 2019, Washington announced that Simpson Street would be
partnering with Netflix to adapt _American Son_ for the screen. The
production premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September and was
released as a Netflix Television Event on Friday, November 1st.
Washington has received a PGA nomination for ‘Outstanding Producer
of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures’ in support of _American
Son_ as well as three NAACP nominations for Outstanding Actress in a
Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special; Outstanding
Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special; and Outstanding
Directing in a Motion Picture (Television). In addition to acting and
producing, Washington is also directing. Her most recent director
credits include _SMILF_, _Scandal_, and _Insecure_. Washington is
active in many social and political causes. She served on the
President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. In 2013,
Washington was honored with the NAACP President’s Award, which
recognized her special achievements in furthering the cause of civil
rights and public service. In 2014, Time magazine included Washington
on its annual Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the
World. Washington received the GLAAD Media Vanguard Award in 2015 and
the ACLU Bill of Rights Award in 2016. In 2018, Washington joined
Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Reese Witherspoon, and many more in
the Time’s Up movement. Washington currently serves as both a brand
ambassador and creative consultant for Neutrogena.