Kerry Washington, 49, Commands the Room in a Figure-Defining Look at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors
Kerry Washington arrived at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors looking radiant, celebrating the achievements of Black creators behind the scenes.
According to sources at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the event focused on honoring the technical and artistic contributions in literature, journalism, and production, providing a meaningful lead-in to the main televised ceremony.
Washington has long been a supporter of the NAACP and used the evening to highlight the importance of telling stories that uplift Black voices. She reflected on the significance of her work, saying, at a time when our history is under attack, to be able to tell a film that’s about how amazing Black women are and have always been is just a real honor.
Kerry Washington at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors. pic.twitter.com/t2aMQYRpko
— 📸 (@metgalacrave) February 27, 2026
The actress has also spoken about the responsibility of leadership in the industry. She shared her personal experiences with awards and recognition, admitting, I so was not expecting to win, and when they said my name, I feel like I blacked out, so I don’t remember who I thanked.
In addition to her award show appearances, Washington has a busy slate of projects. She is set to star in the Apple TV+ limited series Imperfect Women, which debuts on March 18. In the psychological thriller, she acts alongside Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, portraying a decades-long friendship fractured by a murder. Washington also serves as an executive producer on the series through her Simpson Street banner.
Her recent work spans multiple genres. In Shadow Force, she played Kyrah Owens, showing off a more physical, action-driven side of her acting. She is also part of the ensemble cast in Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, reuniting with Daniel Craig, Jeremy Renner, and Mila Kunis for the third installment of the hit franchise.
The 57th NAACP Image Awards itself features major names in television and film, including Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Michael B. Jordan, and Cynthia Erivo. This year’s ceremony introduces new categories in journalism and editing to further highlight excellence behind the camera. The live broadcast will air on February 28, with Deon Cole hosting and a Hall of Fame induction for Salt-N-Pepa.
Washington’s appearance at the Creative Honors highlighted her ongoing influence in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. Her career continues to set a standard for storytelling that celebrates Black voices.
Kerry Washington remains one of the most impactful figures in the industry. She balances powerful performances with meaningful production work, shaping the way stories are told. Which of her roles do you think has had the biggest cultural impact? Share your thoughts in the comments.