That 55th NAACP Image Awardswhich honors and celebrates Black excellence in film, television, 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 during the ceremony, which aired on BET and was simulcast on CBS.
The Scandal star was there both as a presenter and as a nominee.
Washington stunned in a green dress with a plunging neckline and a dramatic train that trailed several feet behind her.
The actress had her long raven locks stylishly pulled up into a loose bun that showed off her sparkling earrings.
Kerry Washington, 47, stunned onlookers as she arrived at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday night in Los Angeles
Washington represented the Hulu comedy series UnPrisoned as an Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series nominee for her role as Paige Alexander
Washington, 47, came to the event representing her series UnPrisoned as an Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series nominee for her role as Paige Alexander in the Hulu comedy series UnPrisoned.
She faced stiff competition in the category, which included Meagan Good (Harlem), Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest), Tichina Arnold (The Neighborhood) and Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), who would end up taking home the award.
Previously, Washington had won four NAACP Image Awards, which included Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture for the biopic Ray in 2005, Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture for the revisionist western Django Unchained in 2013, and Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series twice for the drama Scandal in 2013 and 2014.
The acclaimed actress has also been recognized at the NAACP Image Awards with the 2013 NAACP President’s Award, which is given in recognition of special achievement and exceptional public service.
Washington was also paired with his UnPrisoned co-star Delroy Lindo as presenters at this year’s ceremony.
Lindo, who plays Washington’s on-screen father Edwin Alexander on the hit comedy show, was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series alongside 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 ended up being awarded the trophy for Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series for his role as Bennie Upshaw in the Netflix sitcom.
UnPrisoned was also among the 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 stunned in a green dress
Her dress had a plunging neckline and a dramatic train that trailed several feet behind her
Washington was paired with his UnPrisoned co-star Delroy Lindo as presenters
Washington was absolutely radiant as she took the stage with her on-screen father
Lindo and Washington were animated as they shared the spotlight as presenters
Lindo, 71, was nominated for Outstanding Lead 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 a moment to chat with superstars Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry
Taraji P. Henson and Keke Palmer spent some time hanging out 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
Honorees 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, other stars have served 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 previously won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Law & Order Drama Series: SVU in 2009 and Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture for The Harder They Fall in 2022.
The Lewisham, London, England native’s career highlights include appearing in films such as Malcolm X (1992), Crooklyn (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Clockers (1995), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), The Cider House Rules (1999) , Da 5 Bloods (2020), as well as the Fox series The Chicago Code (2011).
