The 55th NAACP Image Awardswhich celebrates Black excellence in film, TV, music and literature during the 2023 calendar year, proved to be a star-studded affair.
Kerry Washington was among the A-listers who graced the red carpet and stage at the ceremony that aired on BET and simulcast on CBS.
The Scandal star was there as both a presenter and a nominee.
Washington stunned in a green dress with a plunging neckline and a dramatic train that followed a few feet behind her.
The actress stylishly pulled her long raven locks up into a loose bun that showed off her sparkling earrings.
Kerry Washington, 47, wowed onlookers as she arrived at the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night
Washington represented the Hulu comedy series UnPrisoned as a nominee for Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series for her role as Paige Alexander
Washington, 47, came to the event representing her series UnPrisoned as a nominee for Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series for her role as Paige Alexander in the Hulu comedy series UnPrisoned.
She faced stiff competition in the category, including Meagan Good (Harlem), Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest), Tichina Arnold (The Neighborhood) and Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), who would ultimately take home the award .
Previously, Washington had won four NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture for the biopic Ray in 2005, Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture for the revisionist Western film Django Unchained in 2013, and Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series twice for the drama Scandal in 2013 and 2014.
The acclaimed actress was also recognized at the NAACP Image Awards with the NAACP President’s Award in 2013, which is presented in recognition of special achievement and exceptional public service.
Washington was also paired with her UnPrisoned co-star Delroy Lindo as presenters at this year’s ceremony.
Lindo, who plays Washington’s on-screen father Edwin Alexander in the hit comedy show, was nominated for Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series, along with Cedric The Entertainer (The Neighborhood), Dulé Hill (The Wonder Years) and Tone Bell (Survival of the Fattest) and Mike Epps (The Upshaws).
It was Epps who ultimately took home the trophy for Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series for his role as Bennie Upshaw in the Netflix sitcom.
UnPrisoned was also one of five shows nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, along with Harlem, Survival of the Thickest, The Neighborhood and ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, which ultimately won the honor.
Washington stuns in a green dress
Her dress had a plunging neckline and a dramatic train that followed a few feet behind her
Washington was paired with her UnPrisoned co-star Delroy Lindo as hosts
Washington absolutely beamed as she took the stage with her on-screen father
Lindo and Washington became animated as they took the spotlight as presenters
Lindo, 71, was nominated for Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series for UnPrisoned, which ultimately went to Mike Epps (The Upshaws)
Queen Latifah hosted the event, all decked out in a lavender ensemble
Washington was able to take some time to chat with superstars Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry
Taraji P. Henson and Keke Palmer spent some time with Washington
Lindo and Washington’s comedy series UnPrisoned was also nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, along with Harlem, Survival of the Thickest, The Neighborhood and ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, which ultimately won the honor
Winners include poet laureate Amanda Gorman, who was honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, and R&B supergroup New Edition received the Hall of Fame Award.
Along with Lindo and Washington, the other stars will serve as presenters, including Deon Cole, Diarra Kilpatrick, Donnie Wahlberg, Erika Alexander, Idris Elba, Jeffrey Wright, Keke Palmer, Kenya Barris, Leslie Jones, Lil Rel Howery, Morris Chestnut, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sabrina Elba, Sterling K. Brown, and Taraji P. Henson.
Lindo had previously won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series for Law and Order: SVU in 2009 and Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture for The Harder They Fall in 2022.
The native of Lewisham, London, England’s career highlights include appearing in films such as Malcolm The Cider House Rules (1999), Da 5 Bloods (2020), as well as the Fox series The Chicago Code (2011).