Kerry Washington is set to be honored with this year’s Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment breakfast gala in Los Angeles on December 7. The award, presented by Lifetime, will be presented to Washington by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and will be attended by 750 industry leaders and VIPs. The gala will also honor Adele with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
The Equity in Entertainment Award recognizes individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. Previous honorees include Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson, and Selma Blair.
Washington’s remarkable career and contributions to the entertainment industry are highlighted by Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Maer Roshan, co-editors-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter. They emphasized her talent as a producer and actor, as well as her philanthropic efforts and political activism. Washington is an Emmy-winning and SAG- and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor known for her role as Olivia Pope on ABC’s hit drama “Scandal.” She is also the founder of Simpson Street, a production company that focuses on amplifying diverse voices, and the author of the best-selling memoir “Thicker Than Water.”
The Women in Entertainment gala will coincide with the release of THR’s annual Women in Entertainment issue of the magazine, which highlights the Power 100, the leading female executives in entertainment.
The event is presented by Lifetime and sponsored by Cadillac, Gersh, and Upneeq, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Chapman University, and Loyola Marymount University.
Kerry Washington’s recognition as the recipient of the Equity in Entertainment Award celebrates her impactful career and dedication to amplifying diverse voices in the entertainment industry. Her achievements as an actor, producer, and author have made her a trailblazer in Hollywood, and her work continues to inspire and advocate for representation and inclusion. The Women in Entertainment event will provide a platform to honor and celebrate Washington’s contributions, as well as highlight the achievements of other influential women in the entertainment industry.