Google News 
Esteemed actress Kerry Washington is set to receive the prestigious Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter's (THR) Women in Entertainment breakfast gala, presented by Lifetime. This notable event is scheduled for December 7 in Los Angeles.
The gala, a highlight of the industry's social calendar, will host an exclusive gathering of 750 industry leaders and VIPs. This year, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose will have the honor of presenting the award to Washington. The gala is set to be a star-studded affair, with Adele also being celebrated as she receives the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
The Equity in Entertainment Award, established in 2016, is a testament to those who have significantly contributed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities within the entertainment industry. Washington joins a distinguished list of prior recipients, including Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson, and Selma Blair.
Washington's Multifaceted Impact
Kerry Washington's influence extends far beyond her acting prowess. This year, she both produced and starred in Hulu's acclaimed series 'Unprisoned' through her Simpson Street production company and authored the best-selling memoir 'Thicker Than Water.'
Her work has sparked a national dialogue on the diverse definitions of family. THR co-editors-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Maer Roshan lauded Washington as a "force of nature," highlighting her multifaceted career that encompasses acting, production, philanthropy, and political activism.
Washington's efforts in promoting equity across various fields make her an ideal recipient of this award. Washington's legacy in the entertainment industry is profound. She gained widespread acclaim for her role as Olivia Pope in ABC's 'Scandal,' where she made history as the first Black woman to lead a network TV drama since 1974.
Her recent work includes roles in Netflix's 'The School for Good and Evil' and 'Unprisoned.' Aside from her on-screen and production achievements, Washington is also a dedicated activist and author. Her memoir, 'Thicker Than Water,' released in 2023, became a New York Times best-seller.
It offers an intimate glimpse into her life and the exploration of her identity. Moreover, Washington is the founder of Influence Change and Vision Info Power Cohor, initiatives aimed at boosting voter turnout and enhancing civic engagement through storytelling and collective action.
Her commitment to activism has earned her numerous accolades, including the NAACP President's Award, the GLAAD Media Vanguard Award, and the ACLU Bill of Rights Award. Washington's influence extends to education as well. She played a pivotal role in launching The Roybal School of Film and Television Production, a magnet school focused on transforming the entertainment industry for students from underserved communities.
The Women in Entertainment gala coincides with the release of THR's Women in Entertainment issue, which features the Power 100 - a compilation of the industry's most influential female executives.