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At the Sundance Film Festival this year, Kerry Washington was honored with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award during the Democracy on the Screen – and on the Line event, receiving a $250,000 unrestricted grant to advance her work in civic engagement and defending democratic freedoms. This recognition places Washington among notable recipients known for leveraging their influence to foster social change.
Joining an Esteemed Group of Change Makers
The award connects Washington to a distinguished group that includes Dwyane Wade, Michael J. Fox, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Amal Clooney, the Sesame Street Workshop, and Malala Yousafzai. Reflecting on the honor, Washington expressed her respect for the individuals who previously earned the prize and the impactful work they have done.
I was really honored because I know some of the incredible change makers who’ve gotten it before me, like Malala and Dwyane,
she said.
There’s just been such profoundly important people doing really beautiful work in the world getting that award. So I was really, really honored, and I feel really honored to be in that company.
– Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
Grant Fuels Mission Through Foundation and Simpson Street
The funding aligns closely with the goals of Washington’s foundation and her production company, Simpson Street, which focuses on civic engagement. She highlighted Elevate’s mission to “make good famous,” which echoes her own method of advocacy by spotlighting real-life activists rather than fictional heroes.
After the 2016 election, viewers jokingly turned to her “Scandal” character, Olivia Pope, hoping for a political fix. This reaction inspired Washington to redirect attention from fictional saviors to actual change makers with real power.
The focus was on her, well, on me and Olivia Pope,
Washington explained.
But really I needed to figure out a way to turn the spotlight, turn the resources, and turn the fame and attention toward some of the real change makers who were doing this work because Olivia Pope’s not real.
She added,
In the real world, you, I, and every single person has more power than Olivia Pope.
– Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
Empowering Organizers Through Resources and Training
Washington’s foundation supports grassroots organizers with resources and media training to help expand the reach of their efforts, a mission that the Elevate grant will significantly enhance. The additional funding is intended to broaden the foundation’s work and strengthen partnerships already underway.
A Lifelong Commitment to Art and Social Change
Washington’s connection between activism and the arts began in her teenage years, participating in a peer-to-peer theater program touring the East Coast that addressed topics like safer sex, HIV prevention, and substance abuse. Early experiences in advocating for healthcare and against censorship left a profound mark on her commitment to social justice.
Very early on in my life, I connected theater with social change and with activism,
she recalled.
So I’m not new to this. This idea has been in my life for decades.
– Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
Choosing Roles That Reflect Truth and Justice
Washington’s early activism informs her work in Hollywood, both as an actor and producer. She seeks complex roles and consciously avoids parts that diminish the experiences of Black women. Through Simpson Street, she champions narratives that focus on authenticity, dignity, and social justice.
Right now we need to be telling all the stories that uplift our humanity and our value, our presence,
Washington said.
We are being taught that our stories don’t deserve to be told, that our history should be ignored, that our joy is not allowed.
She emphasized that stories about everyday life are as essential as political tales.
Any story that uplifts our humanity is important at this moment.
– Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
New Role in “Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders” Series
During Sundance, Washington revealed her involvement as an executive producer in the upcoming season of “Nevertheless,” titled “Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders.” The series will showcase grassroots leaders combating polarization and threats to civil liberties across the globe, aligning closely with her foundation’s VIP Cohort program, which offers training and financial support to activists nationwide.
When I first saw the Elevate series, I realized that this was a global version of what we were doing with VIP,
Washington said.
The work of democracy is actually a global effort.
She pointed out the value of learning from other countries’ democratic struggles and described the series as offering a broader lens on democratic resilience. – Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
Advice for Those Overwhelmed by Political Climate
Aware of the anxiety surrounding civic participation today, Washington offered reassurance and practical guidance for individuals feeling overwhelmed by political tensions. She emphasized that it is normal to feel this way and encouraged contributing in manageable ways that fit one’s life.
If you feel overwhelmed, that just means that you’re human,
she said. You’re not alone. She recommended various forms of involvement, from marching and voting to providing childcare, grocery shopping for neighbors, or simply showing up in support.
Figure out what it is that you can give and give of yourself,
Washington added, highlighting the importance of collective action to combat isolation. – Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist
The Role of Art in Sustaining Community and Joy
Before wrapping up her comments, Washington stressed the significance of supporting artists who spotlight marginalized communities, recognizing that art can foster connection and joy in difficult times.
Supporting artists who are highlighting the humanity of marginalized people is important,
she said.
When you watch those shows and listen to that music—that too is a service because we have to be creating joy and art and heart for each other.
– Kerry Washington, Actress and Activist