Kerry Washington is up for an Emmy this Sunday for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and if she wins, she’ll be the first African-American woman to nab the coveted honor in that category.
Access Hollywood caught up with the “Scandal” star at the Emmy Diversity celebration in Los Angeles on Tuesday, where she opened up about the significance of her nomination.
“What’s important to me is that the show represents diversity on so many levels,” Kerry said, when asked how she feels about possibly nabbing the Emmy. “When you look at the cast on our show, you see diversity with regard to ethnicity, with regard to gender, sexual orientation, with regard to age, with regard to race – and that, to me, is what’s most important.
“That a show that represents the full spectrum of humanity, or that attempts to get close to representing the full spectrum of humanity, that that show could be so celebrated? That’s what I’m most proud of,” she continued.
Kerry said she appreciates that her character’s (Olivia Pope) African-American heritage is obviously a part of who she is, but that it doesn’t define her.
“I love that Olivia’s race is an important aspect of who she is, but it’s not the only defining aspect of who she is,” she told Access.
And, has the 36-year-old beauty – who was just named World’s Best Dressed Woman by People – chosen a gown for TV’s biggest night?
“I have a dress – that’s all I’ll say,” she said, smiling.
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