Kerry Washington, 49, Owns the Spotlight in a Curve-Hugging Premiere Look at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors
Kerry Washington made a striking appearance at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors, celebrating the work of Black creators in film, television, journalism, and literature.
According to sources at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the event focused on honoring behind-the-scenes talent and untelevised categories, highlighting the technical and creative efforts that support the industry.
Washington, who has a long-standing relationship with the NAACP, used the occasion to emphasize the importance of telling authentic stories about Black experiences. She said, 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 also spoke about her role in shaping the industry. Reflecting on her career and the evolution from television to film production, she added, it is a story about found family, a story about freedom, and pursuing your dreams. She shared a personal memory about her awards journey, 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.
Outside the awards circuit, Washington is busy with several major projects. She stars in the Apple TV+ limited series Imperfect Women, which premieres on March 18. The psychological thriller follows a decades-long friendship fractured by a brutal murder, and Washington also serves as an executive producer through her Simpson Street banner.
She also appeared in the Netflix film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, joining Daniel Craig, Jeremy Renner, and Mila Kunis in the third installment of the popular whodunit series. Earlier this year, she appeared in Shadow Force, playing Kyrah Owens, an action-driven role that allowed her to showcase a more physical side of her talent.
The Creative Honors highlighted the wider NAACP Image Awards lineup, which includes nominees like Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Michael B. Jordan, and Cynthia Erivo. New categories this year recognize excellence in journalism and editing, and the live broadcast will take place on February 28, hosted by Deon Cole. The ceremony will also honor Salt-N-Pepa with a Hall of Fame induction.
Washington’s presence at the event reaffirmed her influence in Hollywood, both as an actress and a producer. She continues to set an example for telling diverse stories while balancing high-profile roles across multiple genres.
Kerry Washington remains one of the most important voices in entertainment today. She consistently chooses projects that celebrate Black talent and pushes for stories that matter. Which of her roles do you think has had the biggest impact on culture? Share your thoughts in the comments.
