Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals announced that Kerry Washington will be honored with their annual Woman of the Year Award later this month. Recipients of the award are chosen by members of the organization who they feel have made a “lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment.” And we have to agree that Washington’s contributions have been impressive and we are confident they will last.
Appearing on one of our favorite shows to binge-watch, Scandal, as Olivia Pope, she defends politicians and their benefactors in times of crisis. In this role, she has achieved awards and accolades, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She has also been nominated for awards at both the Emmy’s and Golden Globes. When the show premiered in 2012, she was the first African-American woman to play a lead—in 40 years—on an American network drama.
As the annual tradition goes, Washington will be treated with many celebrations named in her honor, including a parade, a celebratory dinner, and other festivities to follow.
Last year, Amy Poehler was similarly honored, and past honorees include actresses Helen Mirren, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep.