View source for Kerry Washington

{{Short description|American actress (born 1977)}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Kerry Washington
| image              = Kerry Washington in (2024) (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Washington in 2024
| birthname          = Kerry Marisa Washington
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|1|31}}
| birth_place        = [[New York City]], U.S.<!--No boroughs/neighborhoods, just cities per format.-->
| alma_mater         = [[George Washington University]]
| children           = 2
| occupation         = Actress
| years_active       = 1994–present
| spouse             = {{Marriage|[[Nnamdi Asomugha]]|2013}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kerry Washington|Full list]]
| website            = 
}}
'''Kerry Marisa Washington'''<ref name="birth">{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/436342/kerry-washington-nnamdi-asomugha-s-secret-wedding-see-their-marriage-certificate |title=Kerry Washington & Nnamdi Asomugha's Secret Wedding—See Their Marriage Certificate! |last=Finn |first=Natalie |date=July 3, 2013 |publisher=[[E! News]] |access-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010015505/http://www.eonline.com/news/436342/kerry-washington-nnamdi-asomugha-s-secret-wedding-see-their-marriage-certificate |archive-date=October 10, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> (born January 31, 1977)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20090131.html |title=On This Day |date=January 31, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195556/http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20090131.html | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=birthcertificate>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/538229/kerry-washington-is-a-mom-check-out-baby-isabelle-amarachi-asomugha-s-birth-certificate |title=Kerry Washington Is a Mom! Check Out Baby Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha's Birth Certificate |first=Natalie |last=Finn |date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2016 |publisher=E! News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426123234/http://www.eonline.com/news/538229/kerry-washington-is-a-mom-check-out-baby-isabelle-amarachi-asomugha-s-birth-certificate |archive-date=April 26, 2016 |url-status=live}} Sidebar: [http://images.eonline.com/static/news/pdf/washingtonbirthcertificate.pdf Certificate of Live Birth: Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha] (County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health). Gives Kerry Washington birth date. [https://www.webcitation.org/6hD3oBr5y?url=http://images.eonline.com/static/news/pdf/washingtonbirthcertificate.pdf Archived] from the original on May 2, 2016.</ref><ref name="filmr">Note: FilmReference.com states "Born January 5, 1977 (some sources cite 1975)...." at {{cite web |url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/35/Kerry-Washington.html |title=Kerry Washington Biography (1977?- ) |access-date=May 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234621/http://www.filmreference.com/film/35/Kerry-Washington.html | url-status=live}}</ref> is an American actress. She has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Kerry Washington|several accolades]], including a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] as well as nominations for two [[Golden Globe Awards]] and a [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]]. She was included in ''[[Time (magazine)|''Time'''s]]'' [[Time 100|100 list of most influential people]] in 2014, and ''[[Forbes]]'' named her the eighth highest-paid television actress in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://time.com/70800/kerry-washington-2014-time-100/ |title=Kerry Washington 2014 Time |date=April 24, 2014 |access-date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425150724/http://time.com/70800/kerry-washington-2014-time-100/|archive-date=April 25, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/10/25/highest-paid-tv-actresses-2018-sofia-vergara-tops-ranking-again-with-42-5-million/#7f921d4c4799 |title=Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2018: Sofia Vergara Tops Ranking Again With $42.5 Million |first=Natalie |last=Robehmed |work=Forbes |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025173903/https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/10/25/highest-paid-tv-actresses-2018-sofia-vergara-tops-ranking-again-with-42-5-million/#7f921d4c4799|archive-date=October 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Washington gained wide recognition for starring as [[Spin (public relations)|crisis management expert]] [[Olivia Pope]] in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] drama series ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]'' (2012–2018).<ref>{{cite web |last=Bricker |first=Tierney |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/05/abc-picks-up-charlies-angels-good-christian-belles-and-ten-more.html |title=ABC picks up 'Charlie's Angels,' 'Good Christian Belles' and ten more |date=May 13, 2011 |access-date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505020628/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/05/abc-picks-up-charlies-angels-good-christian-belles-and-ten-more.html |archive-date=May 5, 2012}}</ref> For her role, she was twice nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]] and once for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama]]. She was further Emmy-nominated for her roles as [[Anita Hill]] in the [[HBO]] political film ''[[Confirmation (film)|Confirmation]]'' (2016), and a troubled mother in the [[Hulu]] miniseries ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]'' (2020).

Washington made her feature film debut acting in the drama ''[[Our Song (film)|Our Song]]'' (2000). She played [[Alicia Masters]] in the live-action ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' films of [[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|2005]] and [[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer|2007]], and has taken roles in diverse films such as ''[[Ray (film)|Ray]]'' (2004), ''[[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. & Mrs. Smith]]'' (2005), ''[[The Last King of Scotland (film)|The Last King of Scotland]]'' (2006), ''[[I Think I Love My Wife]]'' (2007), ''[[Mother and Child (2009 film)|Mother and Child]]'' (2009), ''[[For Colored Girls]]'' (2010), and ''[[Django Unchained]]'' (2012). In 2024, she portrayed [[Charity Adams Earley|Major Charity Adams]] in the war film ''[[The Six Triple Eight]]''.

On stage, she made her [[Broadway (theatre)|Broadway]] debut in [[David Mamet]]'s play ''[[Race (play)|Race]]'' (2009). She returned to the Broadway stage starring in the [[Christopher Demos-Brown]] play ''American Son'' and reprised her role in the [[American Son (2019 film)|2019 television adaptation]] on [[Netflix]].

==Early life and education==
Washington was born in [[the Bronx]], New York City, and was raised as the daughter of Valerie, a professor and educational consultant, and Earl Washington, a [[real estate broker]].<ref name="filmr" /><ref name=elc>{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Ruthe |title=Washington's 'Mother' instinct |date=May 9, 2010 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Washington-s-Mother-instinct-3189549.php |access-date=September 21, 2010 |work=The San Francisco Chronicle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625043439/http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-05-09/entertainment/20889631_1_sundance-film-festival-first-feature-film-kerry-washington|archive-date=June 25, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Lauren |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/fashion/24NITE.html |title=Kerry Washington: Politics and Shabu Shabu |work=[[New York Times]] |date=October 24, 2004 |access-date=November 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026092658/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/fashion/24NITE.html|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, she wrote in her 2023 memoir that she found out that Earl Washington was not her biological father.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2023/09/24/kerry-washington-new-memoir-thicker-than-water-interview/70958010007/|title=Kerry Washington details biological father revelation, eating disorder, abortion in her 20s|first=Pamela|last=Avila|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Washington's family is of [[African-American]] origin, having moved from [[South Carolina]] to [[Brooklyn]]. Her mother's family is from [[Manhattan]], and Washington has said that her mother is from a "mixed-race background and from Jamaica, so she is partly English and Scottish and Native American, but also descended from enslaved Africans in the Caribbean."<ref>{{cite news |last=Curtis |first=Nick |title=Kerry Washington on making Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/kerry-washington-on-making-quentin-tarantinos-django-unchained-8453865.html |access-date=May 17, 2013 |newspaper=Evening Standard |date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301074812/http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/kerry-washington-on-making-quentin-tarantinos-django-unchained-8453865.html|archive-date=March 1, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/-SO-Who-Knew--Washington-Connects-The-Dots_12733464 |title=So Who Knew? Washington Connects The Dots |date=October 14, 2012 |work=Jamaica Observer |access-date=November 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142534/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/-SO-Who-Knew--Washington-Connects-The-Dots_12733464|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Powell |first=Kevin |title=Kerry Washington: Woman on Top |url=http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/kerry-washington-woman-on-top-333#axzz2TammW85p |access-date=May 17, 2013 |newspaper=Ebony |date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004234813/http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/kerry-washington-woman-on-top-333#axzz2TammW85p|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Through her mother, she is a [[cousin]] of former [[U.S. Secretary of State]] [[Colin Powell]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Leive |first=Cindi |title=Kerry Washington Talks Her New Marriage, Scandal Style, and Her Real-Life Gladiators in Glamour's October Issue |url=http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2013/09/kerry-washington-glamour-inter.html |access-date=November 14, 2013 |newspaper=Glamour |date=September 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111102830/http://www.glamour.com/entertainment/blogs/obsessed/2013/09/kerry-washington-glamour-inter.html|archive-date=November 11, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> She was conceived via a [[sperm donor]], which she only learned in 2018.<ref name="dna">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/09/25/1201488524/kerry-washington-thicker-than-water-memoir |department=Author Interviews |last=Mosley |first=Tanya |work=[[Fresh Air]] |publisher=[[NPR]] |date=2023-09-25 |access-date=2023-09-26 |language=en-US |title=How a DNA test inspired actress-activist Kerry Washington's journey of self-discovery}}</ref>

Washington performed with the [[TADA! Youth Theater]] teen group and attended the [[Spence School]] in Manhattan from her pre-teen years<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2013/08/kerry-washington-scandal-cover-story |title=Ms. Kerry Goes to Washington: The First Lady of Scandal Speaks |last=Kamp |first=David|website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=July 15, 2013 |access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828222756/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2013/08/kerry-washington-scandal-cover-story|archive-date=August 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> until graduating from high school in 1994.<ref name="Kerry"/> At the age of 13, she was taken to watch [[Nelson Mandela]] speak at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]] upon his release from prison.<ref name=":0" /> She attended [[George Washington University]], graduating [[Phi Beta Kappa]] in 1998 with a double major in [[anthropology]] and [[sociology]].<ref name="Kerry"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://theybf.com/2012/10/15/inside-black-girls-rock-red-carpet-arrivals-what-you-can-expect-from-the-show |title=INSIDE Black Girls Rock! Red Carpet Arrivals & What You Can Expect From The Show |author=Natasha |website=The YBF |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=November 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117131556/http://theybf.com/2012/10/15/inside-black-girls-rock-red-carpet-arrivals-what-you-can-expect-from-the-show|archive-date=November 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> She also studied at [[Michael Howard Studios]] in New York City.<ref name="Kerry">{{cite web |title=About Kerry Washington |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/person/kerry-washington/biography.html |work=[[Yahoo! Movies]] |access-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610104900/http://movies.yahoo.com/person/kerry-washington/biography.html|archive-date=June 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2016, Washington confirmed that, in the 1990s in New York, she learned to dance from [[Jennifer Lopez]]. During her appearance on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'', she told host [[Jimmy Fallon]]: "I've been taking dance for a long time, since I was a little girl. I had this very inspiring teacher named Larry Maldonado, for anybody from my neighborhood in the Bronx, he was our role model. And he had an awesome substitute teacher named Jennifer, who would sometimes step in and teach. But, then she left to move to L.A. and be on ''[[In Living Color]]''. I learned to dance from JLo!"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Park |first1=Andrea |title=Kerry Washington Reveals Jennifer Lopez Was Her Dance Teacher Growing Up: 'Cause We're From the Block!' |url=http://people.com/tv/jennifer-lopez-taught-kerry-washington-to-dance/ |website=PEOPLE.com |date=April 9, 2016|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408171908/http://people.com/tv/jennifer-lopez-taught-kerry-washington-to-dance/|archive-date=April 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindig |first1=Sarah |title=Kerry Washington Learned Her Dance Moves from a Legend |url=http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a35494/kerry-washington-jennifer-lopez-dance |website=ELLE |date=April 9, 2016|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408171513/http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a35494/kerry-washington-jennifer-lopez-dance/|archive-date=April 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, Washington revealed that she had an [[abortion]] when she was in her late 20s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Branson |first=Richard |date=2023-09-26 |title=Kerry Washington: I'm Ready to Talk About My Abortion |url=https://time.com/collection/time100-voices/6316450/kerry-washington-abortion-story-book/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref>

==Career==
===1994–2009: Beginnings and breakthrough===
[[File:6.24.04KerryWashingtonByLuigiNovi.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=A woman with dark hair wearing a pink dress smiles|Washington at the [[New York City|New York]] premiere of ''[[She Hate Me]]'' in 2004]]
Washington got her [[Screen Actors Guild]] (SAG) card as a requirement for a commercial that she starred in.<ref name=TVGuide>"How Did You Get Your SAG-AFTRA Card?" ''[[TV Guide]]''. January 13, 2014. p. 10.</ref> Washington made her screen debut in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] [[television movie|telefilm]] ''Magical Make-Over'' (1994).<ref name="Kerry"/> She was in the cast of the 1996 [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] [[sketch comedy]]-style educational series ''[[Standard Deviants]]'',<ref name="Kerry"/> and she appeared in the short "3D" and the feature film ''[[Our Song (film)|Our Song]]'' in 2000.<ref name="Kerry"/> She went on to appear in several movies, including ''[[Save the Last Dance]]'' (2001) and ''[[The Human Stain (film)|The Human Stain]]'' (2003). In 2002 she played [[Chris Rock]]'s love interest in the spy thriller ''[[Bad Company (2002 film)|Bad Company]]'', a film that represented a turning point for her, in that it was the first time in her career that she had made enough money annually to qualify for health insurance under SAG.<ref name=TVGuide/>

In 2004, she played the female lead in [[Spike Lee]]'s ''[[She Hate Me]]'', and she received strong reviews for her performance. After 2004, she held parts in ''[[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. & Mrs. Smith]]'' (2005), ''[[Little Man (2006 film)|Little Man]]'' (2006), ''[[I Think I Love My Wife]]'' (2007), and as a wife of 1970s [[Uganda]]n [[dictator]] [[Idi Amin]] in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] historical drama ''[[The Last King of Scotland (film)|The Last King of Scotland]]'' (2006).<ref name="Kerry"/> Washington has also appeared in the recurring role of Chelina Hall on the ABC [[television program|television series]] ''[[Boston Legal]]'',<ref name="Kerry"/> and in several episodes of the [[A&E Network|A&E]] [[cable television|cable-TV]] series ''[[100 Centre Street]]''.<ref name="Kerry"/> In 2007, she co-directed and appeared in the music video for hip-hop artist [[Common (rapper)|Common]]'s song, "[[I Want You (Common song)|I Want You]]", the fourth single from his album ''[[Finding Forever]]''<ref name="Bio">{{cite web |title=Kerry Washington Bio |url=http://www.buddytv.com/info/kerry-washington-info.aspx |work=[[BuddyTV]] |access-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329025955/http://www.buddytv.com/info/kerry-washington-info.aspx|archive-date=March 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
and became a spokesperson for [[L'Oréal]], appearing in commercials and ads alongside fellow actresses, [[Scarlett Johansson]] and [[Eva Longoria]], [[Gong Li]], [[Michelle Yeoh]], [[Dian Sastrowardoyo]], [[Aishwarya Rai]], [[Maya Karin]] and model [[Doutzen Kroes]].<ref name="Washington">{{cite web |title=Kerry Washington |url=http://matineeclassics.com/celebrities/actors/kerry_washington/details/ |access-date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122151451/http://matineeclassics.com/celebrities/actors/kerry_washington/details/|archive-date=November 22, 2012|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Washington narrated the critically acclaimed documentary about the New Orleans–based teenage [[TBC Brass Band]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20080501072907/http://fromthemouthpieceonback.com/ ''From the Mouthpiece on Back'']. She also appears in [[Maxwell (musician)|Maxwell]]'s "Bad Habits" video. In 2009, Washington performed in ''[[The People Speak (film)|The People Speak]]'', a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historian [[Howard Zinn]]'s ''[[A People's History of the United States]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thepeoplespeak.com/pages/credits |title=the people speak |date=October 1, 2012|access-date=May 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513003536/http://www.thepeoplespeak.com/pages/credits/|archive-date=May 13, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010–2018: Breakthrough and ''Scandal''===
In 2010, Washington made her [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] debut in the original production of [[David Mamet]]'s play ''[[Race (play)|Race]]'', alongside [[James Spader]] (with whom she worked on ''Boston Legal''), [[David Alan Grier]], and [[Richard Thomas (actor)|Richard Thomas]]. She also appeared as a part of the ensemble in [[Tyler Perry]]'s 2010 drama film ''[[For Colored Girls]]''.<ref name="Kerry"/>

[[File:Kerry Washington Met Opera 2010 Shankbone.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Washington in 2010]]

She starred in [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s film ''[[Django Unchained]]'' (2012), which received widespread critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web |title=Django Unchained |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/django-unchained |work=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102072136/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/django-unchained|archive-date=January 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reservoirwatchdogs.com/2011/10/26/confirmed-kerry-washington-finally-joins-django-unchained-as-djangos-wife/ |title=Kerry Washington finally joins Django Unchained as Django's wife |date=October 26, 2011 |access-date=October 1, 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330120836/http://reservoirwatchdogs.com/2011/10/26/confirmed-kerry-washington-finally-joins-django-unchained-as-djangos-wife/ |archive-date=March 30, 2012}}</ref> She was invited to join the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] in June 2012 along with 175 other individuals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2012/20120629a.html |title=Academy Invites 176 to Membership |publisher=The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702000236/http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2012/20120629a.html|archive-date=July 2, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

From April 2012 to April 2018, Washington starred in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] drama series ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]'', created by [[Shonda Rhimes]], as [[Olivia Pope]], a [[crisis management|crisis manager]] who runs her own crisis management firm called Olivia Pope & Associates in [[Washington, D.C.]] In this position, she worked for high-profile figures, most notably the President of the United States, who was also her on-off lover. The show was a commercial and critical success, and was called one of the most talked about drama series on [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hilton |first=Shani O |title=Why Twitter Loves "Scandal" |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/shani/why-twitter-loves-scandal |access-date=May 2, 2013 |newspaper=BuzzFeed |date=February 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103910/https://www.buzzfeed.com/shani/why-twitter-loves-scandal|archive-date=March 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/scandal |title=Scandal – Season 1 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819095158/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/scandal|archive-date=August 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gay |first=Verne |title=Shonda Rhimes' 'Scandal' premieres on ABC |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/shonda-rhimes-scandal-premieres-on-abc-1.3641090 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |newspaper=Newsday |date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021135226/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/shonda-rhimes-scandal-premieres-on-abc-1.3641090|archive-date=October 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington's performance earned positive reviews, and in 2013, she won the award for [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series]] at the [[NAACP Image Award|44th NAACP Image Awards]] and was also presented with the [[NAACP Image Award – President's Award|NAACP President's Award]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Cindy |title=Kerry Washington to receive NAACP President's Award |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/01/17/kerry-washington-to-receive-naacp-presidents-award/1843257/ |access-date=January 24, 2013 |newspaper=USA Today |date=January 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122172037/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/01/17/kerry-washington-to-receive-naacp-presidents-award/1843257/|archive-date=January 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, she was named "Favorite actress" and ''Scandal'' "Favorite Drama" of the year at ''[[TV Guide]]'''s Magazine Fan Favorite Awards<ref>{{cite news |title='Scandal' Cast Adorably And Excitedly Accepts TV Guide Magazine Fan Favorite Awards (VIDEO) |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/17/scandal-cast-tv-guide-magazine-awards_n_3104966.html |access-date=May 15, 2013 |newspaper=Huffingtonpost |date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225153/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/17/scandal-cast-tv-guide-magazine-awards_n_3104966.html|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and was also crowned 2013's "TV Star of the Year" by the editors of the magazine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schneider |first=Michael |title=TV Guide Magazine Names Kerry Washington TV Star of the Year |url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/kerry-washington-tv-guide-magazine-1074862.aspx |access-date=March 13, 2014 |newspaper=tvguide.com |date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313080522/http://www.tvguide.com/news/kerry-washington-tv-guide-magazine-1074862.aspx|archive-date=March 13, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

For her work in the second season of ''Scandal'', Washington was nominated for an [[Emmy Award|Emmy]] at the [[65th Primetime Emmy Awards]]<ref name=iw>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/kerry-washington-becomes-1st-black-actress-since-cicely-tyson-in-1995-to-earn-primetime-emmy |title=Kerry Washington Is 1st Black Actress Since Cicely Tyson In 1995 To Earn Drama Lead Actress Primetime Emmy Nomination |first=Tambay A. |last=Obenson |work=[[Indiewire]] |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722000731/http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/kerry-washington-becomes-1st-black-actress-since-cicely-tyson-in-1995-to-earn-primetime-emmy |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/07/10/kerry-washington-emmy-nomination/12473857/ |title=Kerry Washington is 'speechless' for once |last=Freydkin |first=Donna |work=[[USA Today]] |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712021342/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/07/10/kerry-washington-emmy-nomination/12473857/|archive-date=July 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the first [[African-American]] woman to be nominated in the category of [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]] in 18 years.<ref name=iw/> She was also nominated for a [[Screen Actors Guild Award]] for [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series]] as well as a [[Golden Globe Award]] for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama|Best Actress in a Television Drama Series]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nominations Announced for the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards |url=http://www.sagawards.org/media-pr/press-releases/nominations-announced-20th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards%C2%AE |access-date=March 12, 2014 |newspaper=sagawards.com |date=January 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227074743/http://www.sagawards.org/media-pr/press-releases/nominations-announced-20th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards%C2%AE|archive-date=December 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2014 Golden Globes Awards |url=http://www.goldenglobes.com/2014/best-actress-tv-series-drama |access-date=March 12, 2014 |newspaper=goldenglobes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403051849/http://www.goldenglobes.com/2014/best-actress-tv-series-drama |archive-date=April 3, 2014}}</ref> ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' ranked ''Scandal'' tenth place of its list of "Top 10 political TV shows" in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=The top 10 political TV shows |first=Matthew |last=Gilbert |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/08/20/the-political-hall-fame/GNGiBwBq8WmtTPpwZ7gRdO/story.html |publisher=boston globe.com |date=August 21, 2015 |access-date=August 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821124844/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/08/20/the-political-hall-fame/GNGiBwBq8WmtTPpwZ7gRdO/story.html|archive-date=August 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In addition to Washington's acting, her costumes as Olivia Pope attracted positive attention, prompting ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' to name the character one of  "The Top Ten Best-Dressed TV Characters" in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Julie |title=The Top 10 Best-Dressed TV Characters |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/03/the-top-10-best-dressed-tv-characters_slideshow_olivia-pope_3 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |newspaper=Vanity Fair |date=March 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416233114/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/03/the-top-10-best-dressed-tv-characters_slideshow_Olivia-Pope_3|archive-date=April 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the show's costume designer, Lyn Paolo, the success of Olivia Pope's wardrobe was based on "this idea of having [her character] wear such soft, feminine colors in a man's world".<ref>{{cite news |last=Naoreen |first=Nuzhat |title='Scandal'-ous Fashion Secrets! |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20609151_20688005_21302973,00.html |access-date=May 2, 2013 |newspaper=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122015003/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20609151_20688005_21302973,00.html|archive-date=January 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2014, Washington and Paolo won the Influencer Award at the 2014 Ace Fashion Awards for Olivia Pope's stylish clothes on the show.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerry Washington Wants Olivia Pope to Redefine Power Dressing |url=http://www.elle.com/news/culture/kerry-washington-ace-awards-speech |publisher=elle.com |access-date=November 23, 2014 |date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120200539/http://www.elle.com/news/culture/kerry-washington-ace-awards-speech|archive-date=November 20, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, Washington ranked No. 2 in [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]]'s 100 Most Beautiful people<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/kerry-washington-kelly-ro_n_3148053.html |title=Kerry Washington, Kelly Rowland Land In PEOPLE 'Most Beautiful Woman' Issue |work=Huffingtonpost |date=April 24, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509103736/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/kerry-washington-kelly-ro_n_3148053.html| archive-date= May 9, 2013| url-status= live}}</ref> and was named Woman of the Year by ''[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerry Washington: The Gladiator |url=http://www.glamour.com/inspired/women-of-the-year/2013/kerry-washington |first=Jason |last=Sheeler |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |work=glamour.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104034258/http://www.glamour.com/inspired/women-of-the-year/2013/kerry-washington|archive-date=November 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, she ranked No. 20 on ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine's annual list of the highest-paid actors in television and was announced as the new face of [[Neutrogena]] skin care.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerry Washington is the New Face of Neutrogena |url=http://www.etonline.com/fashion/139729_Kerry_Washington_is_the_New_Face_of_Neutrogena/|first=Antoinette|last=Bueno |access-date=November 1, 2013 |newspaper=[[ETonline]] |date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102162208/http://www.etonline.com/fashion/139729_Kerry_Washington_is_the_New_Face_of_Neutrogena/|archive-date=November 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on November 2, 2013, where she impersonated [[Michelle Obama]] and [[Oprah Winfrey]] in a cold opening sketch that satirized criticism of ''Saturday Night Live'' for not having had any black female cast members for many years.<ref>{{cite news |title='Saturday Night Live': 'Scandal's' Kerry Washington signs on to host; Eminem to perform |url=http://cartermatt.com/90707/saturday-night-live-sandals-kerry-washington-signs-on-to-host-eminem-to-perform/ |website=CarterMatt.com |access-date=November 1, 2013 |date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103095026/http://cartermatt.com/90707/saturday-night-live-sandals-kerry-washington-signs-on-to-host-eminem-to-perform/|archive-date=November 3, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Washington played the lead role in ''[[Confirmation (film)|Confirmation]]'', an HBO movie directed by [[Rick Famuyiwa]] about [[Anita Hill]]'s testimony during [[Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination]], which aired in 2016.<ref name=EW>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/08/30/kerry-washington-female-police-drama-abc/ |title=Kerry Washington developing female police drama at ABC |first=Oliver |last=Gettell |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901211607/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/30/kerry-washington-female-police-drama-abc|archive-date=September 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> For her role in ''Confirmation'', Washington was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie]] at the [[68th Primetime Emmy Awards]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/confirmation |title=Confirmation |website=Television Academy |language=en|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801041206/http://www.emmys.com/shows/confirmation|archive-date=August 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the [[Critics' Choice Awards]]' equivalent the same year. ''Confirmation'' was also nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie|Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie]] at the Emmys. That same year, Washington launched Simpson Street, a production company, which has an overall deal with [[ABC Studios]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/kerry-washington-overall-deal-abc-studios-1201744236/ |title=Kerry Washington Inks Overall Deal With ABC Studios |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605003419/https://deadline.com/2016/04/kerry-washington-overall-deal-abc-studios-1201744236/|archive-date=June 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:SXSW 2016 Kerry Washington (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Washington in 2016]]

In 2017, Washington voiced a role in ''[[Cars 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cars-3-adds-kerry-washington-nathan-fillion-lea-delaria-984751 |title='Cars 3' Adds Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Lea DeLaria |website=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Ashley |last=Lee |date=March 9, 2017 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604232041/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cars-3-adds-kerry-washington-nathan-fillion-lea-delaria-984751|archive-date=June 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Washington made her directorial debut on ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]'', directing the tenth episode of the seventh season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-female-directors-kerry-washington-scandal-20180309-story.html |title=Kerry Washington takes the director's chair on 'Scandal' |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |first=Yvonne |last=Villarreal |date=March 9, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630181254/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-female-directors-kerry-washington-scandal-20180309-story.html|archive-date=June 30, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> She also appeared as Olivia Pope in two episodes of ''[[How to Get Away with Murder]]'', as part of a crossover with Scandal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/01/03/kerry-washington-viola-davis-headline-scandal-how-get-away-murder-crossover/1001612001/ |title=The 'Scandal'-'How to Get Away With Murder' crossover is finally here |website=[[USA Today]] |first=Bill |last=Keveney |date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604225416/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/01/03/kerry-washington-viola-davis-headline-scandal-how-get-away-murder-crossover/1001612001/|archive-date=June 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Scandal concluded after seven seasons in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/scandal-series-finale-explained-how-did-it-end-1103874 |title='Scandal' Series Finale: How Shonda Rhimes Wrapped the ABC Political Game-Changer |website=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |date=April 19, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531020125/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/scandal-series-finale-explained-how-did-it-end-1103874|archive-date=May 31, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Washington starred in the Broadway play ''American Son'' written by Christopher Demos-Brown, following two parents arriving at a police station in the middle of the night looking for answers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://broadwaydirect.com/returning-broadway-kerry-washington-surprises/ |title=RETURNING TO BROADWAY, KERRY WASHINGTON SURPRISES HERSELF |website=[[Broadway Direct]] |first=Mark |last=Blakenship |date=September 11, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604231111/https://broadwaydirect.com/returning-broadway-kerry-washington-surprises/|archive-date=June 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Since 2019===
In 2019, Washington directed the seventh episode of the second season of [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]'s ''[[SMILF]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2018/08/09/kerry-washington-is-directing-a-smilf-episode-in-boston |title=Kerry Washington is directing a 'SMILF' episode in Boston |website=[[Boston.com]] |first=Kevin |last=Slane |date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604231109/https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2018/08/09/kerry-washington-is-directing-a-smilf-episode-in-boston|archive-date=June 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> She then  starred in ''[[Live in Front of a Studio Audience]]'' on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in a recreation of ''[[The Jeffersons]]'', portraying the role of Helen Willis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/all-in-the-family-the-jeffersons-spoilers-recap-review-jamie-foxx-masia-tomei-wanda-sykes-norman-lear-jimmy-kimmel-abc-1202620902/ |title='All in the Family' & 'The Jeffersons' Live Shines With Jamie Foxx's Flub, Surprise Guest & More Than Nostalgia |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Dominic |last=Patten |date=May 22, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406134212/https://deadline.com/2019/05/all-in-the-family-the-jeffersons-spoilers-recap-review-jamie-foxx-masia-tomei-wanda-sykes-norman-lear-jimmy-kimmel-abc-1202620902/|archive-date=April 6, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, she reprised her role in the film adaptation of the Broadway play ''[[American Son (2019 film)|American Son]]'', which she also executive produced, for [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/american-son-netflix-broadway-kerry-washington-kenny-leon-chirstopher-demos-brown-1202538976/ |title=Netflix To Adapt Broadway Hit 'American Son' With Kerry Washington Reprising Role |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Dino |last=Day-Ramos |date=January 30, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605010957/https://deadline.com/2019/01/american-son-netflix-broadway-kerry-washington-kenny-leon-chirstopher-demos-brown-1202538976/|archive-date=June 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The film had its world premiere at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]] on September 12, 2019, and was released on November 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tiff.net/events/american-son|title=American Son|website=[[Toronto International Film Festival]]|access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012084341/https://tiff.net/events/american-son|archive-date=October 12, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/american-son-starring-kerry-washington-arrives-on-netflix-november-1 |title=American Son, Starring Kerry Washington, Arrives on Netflix November 1 |website=[[PlayBill.com]] |first=Dan |last=Meyer |date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215141226/http://www.playbill.com/article/american-son-starring-kerry-washington-arrives-on-netflix-november-1|archive-date=December 15, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Washington served as an executive producer on ''[[The Fight (2020 film)|The Fight]]'', a documentary film revolving around legal battles lawyers for the [[ACLU]] face during the Trump administration, which had its world premiere at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] on January 30, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sundance-2020-unveils-female-powered-lineup-taylor-swift-gloria-steinem-films-1259538? |title=Sundance Unveils Female-Powered Lineup Featuring Taylor Swift, Gloria Steinem, Abortion Road Trip Drama |website=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Tatiana |last=Siegel |date=December 4, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208151948/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sundance-2020-unveils-female-powered-lineup-taylor-swift-gloria-steinem-films-1259538|archive-date=December 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sundance.org/projects/the-fight-7c160442-8caa-4b39-8445-bbab6d025109 |title=The Fight |website=[[Sundance Film Festival]] |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212171057/https://www.sundance.org/projects/the-fight-7c160442-8caa-4b39-8445-bbab6d025109|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, she served as an executive producer and starred alongside [[Reese Witherspoon]] in the [[Hulu]] miniseries ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]'', an adaptation of [[Celeste Ng]]'s 2017 [[Little Fires Everywhere (novel)|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/hulu-series-order-little-fires-everywhere-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-1202336463/ |title=Hulu Nabs 'Little Fires Everywhere' Limited Series Starring Reese Witherspoon & Kerry Washington |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=March 12, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313021937/http://deadline.com/2018/03/hulu-series-order-little-fires-everywhere-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-1202336463/|archive-date=March 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/02/hulu-little-fires-everywhere-trailer-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-1202212428/ |title='Little Fires Everywhere' Trailer: Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington's Slow Burn in the Suburbs |website=[[IndieWire]] |first=LaToya |last=Ferguson |date=February 20, 2020 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408020412/https://www.indiewire.com/2020/02/hulu-little-fires-everywhere-trailer-reese-witherspoon-kerry-washington-1202212428/|archive-date=April 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington directed the ninth episode of the fourth season of the [[HBO]] comedy series ''[[Insecure (TV series)|Insecure]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kerry-washington-insecure-issa-rae-directing_n_5dd6dda8e4b0fb24c8478e82 |title=Kerry Washington Announces She's Directing An 'Insecure' Episode In The Best Way Possible |website=[[The Huffington Post]] |first=Kimberly |last=Richards |date=November 21, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619204745/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kerry-washington-insecure-issa-rae-directing_n_5dd6dda8e4b0fb24c8478e82|archive-date=June 19, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2020, she won the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live)]] as a producer of the television special ''Live in Front of a Studio Audience''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/kerry-washington|title=Kerry Washington|website=emmys.com|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=September 16, 2020|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917121855/https://www.emmys.com/bios/kerry-washington|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, Washington starred in ''[[The Prom (2020 film)|The Prom]]'', directed by [[Ryan Murphy (producer)|Ryan Murphy]] for [[Netflix]], as Mrs. Greene.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/kerry-washington-nicole-kidman-meryl-streep-ryan-murphy-the-prom-netflix-1202756829/ |title=Kerry Washington Joins Meryl Streep & Nicole Kidman In Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Amanda |last=N'Duka |date=October 10, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108162848/https://deadline.com/2019/10/kerry-washington-nicole-kidman-meryl-streep-ryan-murphy-the-prom-netflix-1202756829/|archive-date=January 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

From 2022, Washington will star in the recurring role of fourth-grade teacher Rayshelle Peyton in ''[[The Simpsons]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://ew.com/tv/kerry-washington-joins-the-simpsons-bart-teacher-first-look/ | title=Kerry Washington joins 'The Simpsons' cast as Bart's new teacher — get a first look | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | access-date=May 9, 2023 | archive-date=April 29, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429233848/https://ew.com/tv/kerry-washington-joins-the-simpsons-bart-teacher-first-look/ | url-status=live }}</ref> She plays Professor Clarissa Dovey in the [[The School for Good and Evil (film)|film adaptation]] of [[Soman Chainani]]'s ''[[The School for Good and Evil]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |title=Kerry Washington And Charlize Theron Join Netflix's 'The School For Good And Evil' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-1234697107/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=February 20, 2021 |date=February 19, 2021 |archive-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219172356/https://deadline.com/2021/02/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-1234697107/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Washington will next star in the war drama ''[[The Six Triple Eight]]'' directed by [[Tyler Perry]], and in the action thriller ''[[Shadow Force (upcoming film)|Shadow Force]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Kerry Washington To Exec Produce, Star In Tyler Perry's Netflix WWII Pic ''Six Triple Eight''; Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon & Oprah Winfrey Among Others Set |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/kerry-washington-oprah-winfrey-more-set-for-tyler-perry-pic-six-triple-eight-1235218544/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=11 January 2023 |date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327173048/https://deadline.com/2023/01/kerry-washington-oprah-winfrey-more-set-for-tyler-perry-pic-six-triple-eight-1235218544/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|title=Omar Sy & Kerry Washington Set To Star In Lionsgate Action-Thriller 'Shadow Force'; Joe Carnahan Directing|url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/kerry-washington-omar-sy-joe-carnahan-lionsgate-shadow-force-1234997164/|date=April 8, 2022|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116055339/https://deadline.com/2022/04/kerry-washington-omar-sy-joe-carnahan-lionsgate-shadow-force-1234997164/ |archive-date=2022-11-16 |url-status=live}}</ref> She will also star alongside an ensemble cast in [[Rian Johnson]]'s third installment of the [[Knives Out (film series)|''Knives Out'' film series]], titled ''[[Wake Up Dead Man]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Kerry Washington Joins Daniel Craig In 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/kerry-washington-wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-1235942921/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715144015/https://deadline.com/2024/05/kerry-washington-wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-1235942921/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Washington wrote in her memoir that a boy [[inappropriately touched]] her when she was a child. She also wrote in her memoir that, "By the time I got to college, my relationship with food and my body had become a toxic cycle of self-abuse that utilized the tools of starvation, binge eating, body obsession and compulsive exercise", and that she had suicidal thoughts.<ref name="auto"/>

Washington was engaged to actor [[David Moscow]] from October 2004 to March 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kerry Washington: Dating Scared Me |url=https://people.com/celebrity/kerry-washington-dating-scared-me/ |first=Stephen M. |last=Silverman |access-date=July 3, 2013 |magazine=People |date=July 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028112942/http://people.com/celebrity/kerry-washington-dating-scared-me/|archive-date=October 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Washington married former [[NFL]] player [[Nnamdi Asomugha]] on June 24, 2013, in [[Hailey, Idaho]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kerry Washington Weds Nnamdi Asomugha |url=https://people.com/celebrity/kerry-washington-weds-nnamdi-asomugha/ |access-date=July 4, 2013 |first=Patrick |last=Gomez |magazine=People |date=July 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021174217/http://people.com/celebrity/kerry-washington-weds-nnamdi-asomugha/|archive-date=October 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kerry-washington-weds-pro-athlete-nnamdi-asomugha/ |title=Kerry Washington weds pro athlete Nnamdi Asomugha |date=July 3, 2013 |work=[[CBS News]] |access-date=July 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707164124/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57592284/kerry-washington-weds-pro-athlete-nnamdi-asomugha|archive-date=July 7, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/05/Nnamdi-Asomugha-secretly-weds-Scandal-star-Kerry-Washington/2651373040709/ |title=Nnamdi Asomugha secretly weds 'Scandal' star Kerry Washington - UPI.com |last=Lee |first=Caroline |work=upi.com |year=2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709031930/http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/07/05/Nnamdi-Asomugha-secretly-weds-Scandal-star-Kerry-Washington/2651373040709|archive-date=July 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> They have a daughter and a son.<ref name="washington_baby">{{cite magazine |last=Blumm |first=K.C. |title=Kerry Washington Welcomes Daughter Isabelle Amarachi |url=https://people.com/parents/kerry-washington-welcomes-daughter-isabelle-amarachi-nnamdi-asomugha/ |magazine=People |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928164902/https://people.com/parents/kerry-washington-welcomes-daughter-isabelle-amarachi-nnamdi-asomugha/|archive-date=September 28, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Nessif, Bruna, and Holly Passalaqua (October 18, 2016), [http://www.eonline.com/news/782655/kerry-washington-and-nnamdi-asomugha-welcome-son-caleb "Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha Welcome Son Caleb"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220091759/http://www.eonline.com/news/782655/kerry-washington-and-nnamdi-asomugha-welcome-son-caleb |date=December 20, 2017 }}, ''[[E! Online]]''. Retrieved October 18, 2016.</ref><ref name="MMUS">{{cite web |last1=Morris |first1=Meagan |title=How many kids does Kerry Washington have? |url=https://www.metro.us/entertainment/celebrities/how-many-kids-does-kerry-washington-have |website=Metro US |publisher=Metro Media US |access-date=October 29, 2018 |language=en |date=October 29, 2018 |quote=She has three: A stepson named Blake, another son named Caleb and one daughter named Isabelle. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029194142/https://www.metro.us/entertainment/celebrities/how-many-kids-does-kerry-washington-have |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> She is also a stepmother to Asomugha's daughter from a previous relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-26 |title=Kerry Washington wore her engagement ring pinned to clothes to hide it from the public |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/kerry-washington-husband-nnamdi-asomugha-rcna117428 |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerry Washington on Raising Kids with a Thick Skin: 'Not Everybody's Going to Hold Your Hand' |url=https://people.com/parents/kerry-washington-talks-raising-kids-thick-skin/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

On May 19, 2013, she was the commencement speaker for her ''alma mater'', [[George Washington University]]. Before giving her commencement address she was presented with an [[honorary degree|honorary]] Doctorate of Fine Arts.<ref>{{cite news |first=Alyssa |last=Newcomb |title=Kerry Washington: 'Scandal' Star Shares Memories From Her College Years |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kerry-washington-scandal-star-honorary-doctorate-george-washington/story?id=19211377#.UZo0zKLVCjQ |access-date=May 20, 2013 |newspaper=ABC News |date=May 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520001520/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kerry-washington-scandal-star-honorary-doctorate-george-washington/story?id=19211377#.UZo0zKLVCjQ|archive-date=May 20, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kerry Washington at GWU commencement: Grads must be 'heroes of own lives' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/05/19/kerry-washington-at-gwu-commencement-grads-must-be-heroes-of-own-lives/ |access-date=May 20, 2013 |newspaper=washingtonpost |date=May 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520024536/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/05/19/kerry-washington-at-gwu-commencement-grads-must-be-heroes-of-own-lives/|archive-date=May 20, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Activism===
[[File:Michael Ealy & Kerry Washington 12.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Washington in 2024]]

In 2007, Washington and other celebrities joined for the 2007 [[Lee National Denim Day]], supporting the Women's Cancer Programs of the [[Entertainment Industry Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Reel Sistas Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer |url=http://www.reelsistas.com/2007/09/05/reel-sistas-join-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/ |access-date=January 24, 2013 |date=September 5, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201234851/http://www.reelsistas.com/2007/09/05/reel-sistas-join-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> In September 2012, Washington spoke at the [[2012 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]] in favor of re-electing [[Barack Obama]], with her speech focusing on addressing voter apathy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/kerry-washington-dnc-speech_n_1862985.html |title=Kerry Washington DNC Speech: Read The Democratic National Convention Remarks |work=Huffington Post |date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911025834/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/kerry-washington-dnc-speech_n_1862985.html|archive-date=September 11, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>  Washington has also used her celebrity to support voter registration drives.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-22|title=Kerry Washington teases 'Scandal' movie, but is it really happening?|url=https://www.radio.com/music/entertainment-news/kerry-washington-teases-scandal-movie-for-a-good-cause|access-date=2020-10-03|website=www.radio.com|language=en|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924162950/https://www.radio.com/music/entertainment-news/kerry-washington-teases-scandal-movie-for-a-good-cause|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-22|title=Sorry, other celebrities. Kerry Washington just won Voter Registration Day|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-09-22/voter-registration-day-2020-celebrity-tweets|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004104936/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-09-22/voter-registration-day-2020-celebrity-tweets|url-status=live}}</ref>

Washington is also a supporter of [[LGBT rights in the United States|LGBT rights]]. In August 2013, she was named an honorary chairperson of the [[Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network|GLSEN]] Respect Awards;<ref name="huffpost">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/kerry-washington-gay-rumors_n_4181328.html |title=Kerry Washington On Gay Rumors: 'I've Never Been Bothered By The Lesbian Rumor' |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=March 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326045555/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/kerry-washington-gay-rumors_n_4181328.html|archive-date=March 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and she received the [[GLAAD Vanguard Award]] on March 21, 2015.<ref name="eonline">{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/631297/kerry-washington-to-be-honored-by-glaad-with-vanguard-award |title=Kerry Washington to Be Honored By GLAAD With Vanguard Award {{!}} E! Online|work=[[E!]]|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Cable]]|last=Malkin|first=Marc|date=March 3, 2015|access-date=March 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304051745/http://www.eonline.com/news/631297/kerry-washington-to-be-honored-by-glaad-with-vanguard-award|archive-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="yahoo">{{cite web |url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/kerry-washington-brings-the-crowd-to-its-feet-with-glaad-awards-speech-122911843.html |title=Kerry Washington Brings the Crowd to Its Feet With GLAAD Awards Speech {{!}} Yahoo Celebrity - Yahoo Celebrity|work=[[Yahoo! Celebrity]]|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|last=Kessler|first=Robert|date=March 23, 2015|access-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101855/https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/kerry-washington-brings-the-crowd-to-its-feet-with-glaad-awards-speech-122911843.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2016, the [[Human Rights Campaign]] released a video in tribute to the victims of the [[Orlando nightclub shooting]]; in the video, Washington and others told the stories of the people killed there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hrc.org/blog/watch-49-celebrities-honor-49-victims-of-orlando-tragedy-in-new-ryan-murphy |title=49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy &#124; Human Rights Campaign |publisher=Hrc.org |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823154109/http://www.hrc.org/blog/watch-49-celebrities-honor-49-victims-of-orlando-tragedy-in-new-ryan-murphy |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rothaus |first=Steve |date=June 12, 2016 |title=Pulse Orlando shooting scene a popular LGBT club where employees, patrons 'like family' |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/gay-south-florida/article83301677.html |work=The Miami Herald |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615082724/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/gay-south-florida/article83301677.html |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

She is a member of the [[Creative Coalition]]; which is a board of actors, writers, musicians, and producers that explore issues that are at the forefront of national discourse.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerry Washington: Los Angeles, CA |url=http://www.pcah.gov/members/kerry-washington |publisher=www.pcah.gov |access-date=March 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317083708/http://pcah.gov/members/kerry-washington|archive-date=March 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> She is also a member of [[V-Day (movement)|V-Day]], a global movement that brings awareness to [[violence against women]] and girls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerry Washington |url=http://www.vday.org/node/242 |work=vday.org |access-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095915/http://www.vday.org/node/242 |archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> In March 2016, Washington and fellow [[ShondaLand]] colleagues, [[Ellen Pompeo]], [[Viola Davis]] and [[Shonda Rhimes]], appeared in a commercial endorsing [[Hillary Clinton]] for president.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/03/11/kerry-washington-viola-davis-ellen-pompeo-shonda-rhimes-hillary-clinton-ad/81635316/ |work=USA Today |title=Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Ellen Pompeo, Shonda Rhimes star in Hillary Clinton ad|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323235313/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/03/11/kerry-washington-viola-davis-ellen-pompeo-shonda-rhimes-hillary-clinton-ad/81635316/|archive-date=March 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Washington [[emcee]]d the third night of the [[2020 Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mucha |first1=Sarah |title=Eva Longoria, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington and Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced as Democratic convention emcees |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/eva-longoria-tracee-ellis-ross-kerry-washington-julia-louis-dreyfus-democratic-convention/index.html |website=CNN |date=17 August 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817181827/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/17/politics/eva-longoria-tracee-ellis-ross-kerry-washington-julia-louis-dreyfus-democratic-convention/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> For the [[2022 Georgia gubernatorial election]], Washington endorsed Democratic candidate [[Stacey Abrams]].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Washington |first=Kerry |author-link=Kerry Washington |user=kerrywashington |number=1466468130427965444 |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Stacey Abrams is someone who believes all voices should be heard. All votes should be counted. And all people should matter. I'm with you @staceyabrams. Georgia, where you at!?!? |language=en |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202233908/https://twitter.com/kerrywashington/status/1466468130427965444 |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porcel |first=María |date=2024-10-19 |title=Kerry Washington: 'The United States is ready to turn the page on the culture of hate, fear, racism and bullying' |url=https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-10-19/kerry-washington-the-united-states-is-ready-to-turn-the-page-on-the-culture-of-hate-fear-racism-and-bullying.html |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=EL PAÍS English |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2000
| ''[[Our Song (film)|Our Song]]''
| Lanisha Brown
|
|-
| ''3D''
| Angie
| Short film
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2001
| ''[[Save the Last Dance]]''
| Chenille Reynolds
|
|- Sarah Johnson
| ''Lift''
| Denise "Niecy" Maxwell
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2002
| ''Take the A Train''
| Keisha
| Short film
|-
| ''[[Bad Company (2002 film)|Bad Company]]''
| Julie Benson
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2003
| ''{{sortname|The|United States of Leland}}''
| Ayesha
|
|-
| ''{{sortname|The|Human Stain|The Human Stain (film)}}''
| Ellie
|
|-
| ''[[Sin (2003 film)|Sin]]''
| Kassie Burns
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2004
| ''[[Against the Ropes]]''
| Renee
|
|-
| ''[[She Hate Me]]''
| Fatima Goodrich
|
|-
| ''[[Ray (film)|Ray]]''
| Della Bea Robinson
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2005
| ''[[Sexual Life]]''
| Rosalie
|
|-
| ''[[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. & Mrs. Smith]]''
| Jasmine
|
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|Fantastic Four]]''
| [[Alicia Masters]]
|
|-
| ''Wait''
| Maggie
| Short film
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2006
| ''[[Little Man (2006 film)|Little Man]]''
| Vanessa Edwards
|
|-
| ''{{sortname|The|Last King of Scotland|The Last King of Scotland (film)}}''
| Kay Amin
|
|-
| ''{{sortname|The|Dead Girl}}''
| Rosetta
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2007
| ''[[I Think I Love My Wife]]''
| Nikki Tru
|
|-
| ''Put It in a Book''
| Sheila
| Short film
|-
| ''[[30,000 Leagues Under the Sea]]''
| Medical Officer Marissa Brau
|
|-
| ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]''
| [[Alicia Masters]]
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2008
| ''Woman in Burka''
| Kerry
| Short film
|-
| ''[[Miracle at St. Anna]]''
| Zana Wilder
|
|-
| ''[[Lakeview Terrace]]''
| Lisa Mattson
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2009
| ''[[Life Is Hot in Cracktown]]''
| Marybeth
|
|-
| ''[[Mother and Child (2009 film)|Mother and Child]]''
| Lucy
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2010
| ''[[Night Catches Us]]''
| Patricia Wilson
|
|-
| ''[[For Colored Girls]]''
| Kelly Watkins
|
|-
| 2011
| ''{{sortname|The|Details|The Details (film)}}''
| Rebecca Mazzoni
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2012
| ''{{sortname|A|Thousand Words|A Thousand Words (film)}}''
| Caroline McCall
|
|-
| ''[[Django Unchained]]''
| Broomhilda von Schaft
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Peeples (film)|Peeples]]''
| Grace Peeples
|
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Cars 3]]''
| Natalie Certain (voice)
|
|-
| 2019
| ''[[American Son (2019 film)|American Son]]''
| Kendra Ellis-Connor
| Also executive producer
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2020
| ''[[The Fight (2020 film)|The Fight]]''
| {{N/A|None}}
| Producer
|-
| ''[[The Prom (film)|The Prom]]''
| Ms. Greene
|
|-
| 2022
| ''[[The School for Good and Evil (film)|The School for Good and Evil]]''
| Professor Clarissa Dovey
|
|-
| 2024
| ''[[The Six Triple Eight]]''
| [[Charity Adams Earley| Charity Adams]]
| Also executive producer
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2025
| ''[[Shadow Force (2025 film)|Shadow Force]]''
| Kyrah Owens
| Also executive producer
|-
| ''[[Wake Up Dead Man]]''
| Vera Draven
| Post-production
|-
| TBA
| ''[[Animals (upcoming film)|Animals]]'' 
| {{TableTBA}}
| Filming
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1994
| ''[[ABC Afterschool Special]]''
| Heather
| Episode: "Magical Make-Over"
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Standard Deviants]]''
| Kerry
| [[PBS]] educational series
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2001
| ''[[NYPD Blue]]''
| Maya Young
| Episode: "Franco, My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn"
|-
| ''[[Deadline (2000 TV series)|Deadline]]''
| Tina Johnson
| Episode: "The Undesirables"
|-
| ''[[Law & Order]]''
| Allie Lawrence
| Episode: "3 Dawg Night"
|-
| ''[[100 Centre Street]]''
| Trina
| 5 episodes
|-
| 2002
| ''{{sortname|The|Guardian|The Guardian (TV series)}}''
| Drea Westbrook
| Episode: "The Next Life"
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2004
| ''[[Wonderfalls]]''
| Mahandra McGinty
| Unaired pilot
|-
| ''[[Strip Search (film)|Strip Search]]''
| Mae
| Television film
|-
| 2005–2006
| ''[[Boston Legal]]''
| Chelina Hall
| 5 episodes
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Psych]]''
| Mira Gaffney
| Episode: "There's Something About Mira"
|-
| 2009–2013
| ''[[Project Runway]]''
| Herself (guest judge)
| 3 episodes
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Black Panther (TV series)|Black Panther]]''
| [[Shuri (character)|Princess Shuri]] (voice)
| Main role (5 episodes)
|-
| 2012–2018
| ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]''
| [[Olivia Pope]]
| Main role (124 episodes); also producer
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2013
| ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''
| Keisha
| Episode: "After the Oscars"
|-
| ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
| Herself (host)
| Episode: "Kerry Washington/[[Eminem]]"
|-
|2015
|''[[Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special]]''
|Dr. Julianne Richards
|Television special
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Confirmation (film)|Confirmation]]''
| [[Anita Hill]]
| Television film; also executive producer
|-
| 2018
| ''[[How to Get Away with Murder]]''
| Olivia Pope
| 2 episodes
|-
| 2019
| ''[[Live in Front of a Studio Audience]]''
| Helen Willis
| Episode: "[[Norman Lear]]'s ''[[All in the Family]]'' and ''[[The Jeffersons]]''"<br />Also executive producer for "''All in the Family'' and ''[[Good Times]]''"<ref>{{cite web |last=Nemetz |first=Dave |title=Live in Front of a Studio Audience to Return to ABC With Holiday Episodes of All in the Family and Good Times |url=https://tvline.com/2019/11/05/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-holiday-all-in-the-family-good-times-abc/ |work=TVLine |date=November 5, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106102115/https://tvline.com/2019/11/05/live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-holiday-all-in-the-family-good-times-abc/|archive-date=November 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]''
| Mia Warren
| Main role (8 episodes); also executive producer
|-
| 2022–present
| ''[[The Simpsons]]''
| Rayshelle Peyton (voice)
| 7 episodes
|-
| 2023–2024
| ''[[Unprisoned]]''
| Paige Alexander
| Main role (16 episodes); also executive producer
|-
| TBA
| ''[[Imperfect Women]]''
|
| Upcoming series
|}

====As director====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]''
| Episode: "The People v. Olivia Pope"
|-
| 2019
| ''[[SMILF]]''
| Episode: "Smile More if Lying Fails"
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Insecure (TV series)|Insecure]]''
| Episode: "Lowkey Trying"
|}

===Theater===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Author
! Director
! Role
! Venue
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 2009
|''[[Race (play)|Race]]''
| [[David Mamet]]
| [[David Mamet]]
| Susan
|[[Ethel Barrymore Theatre]]
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/theater/reviews/07race.html |title=In David Mamet's New Play, a Skirmish in Black and White |first=Ben |last=Brantley |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 6, 2009|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612204313/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/theater/reviews/07race.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2018
|''American Son''
| [[Christopher Demos-Brown]]
| [[Kenny Leon]]
| Kendra
|[[Booth Theater]]
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/08/theater/kerry-washington-broadway-american-son.html?rref=collection/sectioncollection/theater&action=click&contentCollection=theater&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront |title=Kerry Washington Is Going From the Beltway to Broadway |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 8, 2018 |last1=Libbey |first1=Peter|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910204612/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/08/theater/kerry-washington-broadway-american-son.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftheater&action=click&contentCollection=theater&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront|archive-date=September 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kerry Washington on calling the shots |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kerry-washington-on-calling-the-shots-american-son-times-up/ |access-date=October 7, 2018 |agency=CBS News |date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007153613/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kerry-washington-on-calling-the-shots-american-son-times-up/ |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|''[[Gutenberg! The Musical!]]''
|[[Scott Brown (writer)|Scott Brown]] & [[Anthony King (writer)|Anthony King]]
|[[Alex Timbers]]
|Producer
|[[James Earl Jones Theatre]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=GUTENBERG! Recoups, Sets House Record, & Announces Cast Recording |url=https://www.theatrely.com/post/gutenberg-recoups-sets-house-record-announces-cast-recording |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=www.theatrely.com |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Kerry Washington}}

Among her many accolades, Washington has received a [[Primetime Emmy Awards]], five [[NAACP Image Awards]], a [[Teen Choice Award]], and nominations for two [[Golden Globe Awards]] and four [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]]. One of the most successful women on television, she has received recognized by the [[Academy of Television Arts and Sciences]] (ATAS) with nine Emmy nominations, these being:

* [[65th Primetime Emmy Awards]] (2013), [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]], nomination, for ''[[Scandal (TV series)|Scandal]]''
* [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]] (2014), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, nomination, for ''Scandal''
* [[68th Primetime Emmy Awards]] (2016), two nominations
** [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie|Outstanding Television Movie]], nomination, for ''[[Confirmation (film)|Confirmation]]''
** [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie]], nomination, for ''Confirmation''
* [[72nd Primetime Emmy Awards]] (2020), four nominations
** Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, nomination, for ''[[Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)|Little Fires Everywhere]]''
** [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series|Outstanding Limited Series]], nomination, for ''Little Fires Everywhere''
** Outstanding Television Movie, nomination, for ''American Son''
** [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live)|Outstanding Variety Special (Live)]], '''win''', for ''[[Live in Front of a Studio Audience|Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times"]]''
* [[74th Primetime Emmy Awards]] (2022), [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live)|Outstanding Variety Special (Live)]], nomination, for ''Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "The Facts of Life" and "Different Strokes"''

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Washington |first=Kerry |year=2023 |title=Thicker than Water: A Memoir |location=New York |publisher=Little, Brown Spark |isbn=978-0-316-49739-8 |oclc=1397065861}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|http://www.kerrywashington.com}}
* {{IMDb name|913488}}
* {{IBDB name|484098}}
* {{C-SPAN|1027519}}

{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kerry Washington|Awards for Kerry Washington]]
|list = 
{{BET Award for Best Actress}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Directing, Drama Series}}
{{GLAAD Vanguard Award}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Combo}}
{{Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series}}
{{NAACP Image Award – President's Award}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Washington, Kerry}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Activists from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Actresses from the Bronx]]
[[Category:African-American film producers]]
[[Category:African-American television directors]]
[[Category:African-American television producers]]
[[Category:American actors of Jamaican descent]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American LGBTQ rights activists]]
[[Category:American people of English descent]]
[[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American television directors]]
[[Category:American voice actresses]]
[[Category:American women film producers]]
[[Category:American women television directors]]
[[Category:Audiobook narrators]]
[[Category:Columbian College of Arts and Sciences alumni]]
[[Category:People from Castle Hill, Bronx]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Sexual abuse victim advocates]]
[[Category:Spence School alumni]]