Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha shared a rare and memorable date night at the 57th NAACP Image Awards on February 28, marking a special occasion not only for their relationship but also for their careers. Both walked the red carpet as nominees—Kerry for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Shadow Force, and Nnamdi for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for The Knife—showcasing their shared excellence.
A Night to Remember at the NAACP Image Awards
The couple’s appearance at the NAACP Image Awards was historic, as it was their first joint interview while attending as nominees. Kerry Washington, well known for her role in Scandal, and Nnamdi Asomugha, a former NFL star turned actor, enjoyed every moment of the event. Kerry expressed optimism despite the competition, stating on the red carpet,
“No matter what happens tonight we get to go home winners,”
Kerry Washington, actress. Nnamdi added,
“It’s date night, we’ll have a good time.”
Nnamdi Asomugha, actor and former NFL player.
When asked if Nnamdi had prepared a speech anticipating a win, he candidly revealed,
“No, this is one of those ‘happy to be here’ type of moments.”
Nnamdi Asomugha, actor and former NFL player. Kerry shared a similar perspective about the significance of the evening, emphasizing the pride she felt being surrounded by a community striving for Black excellence:
“It’s so special to be in a room full of people who are…running towards excellence and Black excellence, in particular.”
Kerry Washington, actress.
She also highlighted the joy of celebrating their peers, saying,
“And for us it’s fun to hang out with each other and just see other people that we love, You know, other friends who have done work that we want to celebrate and be proud of.”
Kerry Washington, actress. The couple applauded fellow nominees Cynthia Erivo and Michael B. Jordan as they took home awards that evening.
Balancing Privacy and Public Life as a Couple
Since marrying in 2013, Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha have carefully guarded their family’s privacy. They have two children together, Isabelle, 11, and Caleb, 9, and Nnamdi is also stepfather to his teenage daughter from a previous relationship. Kerry opened up about the challenges of maintaining this privacy, particularly during their children’s early years. In a September interview with InStyle, she reflected,
“It was very hard at the beginning, I’d look at a picture of my kid and send it to my mother: ‘This picture has to be in the world, but I don’t want to post it!’ When [my kids] started going to school and I knew I couldn’t protect them every moment of the day, it was scary.”
Kerry Washington, actress.
She emphasized their commitment to allowing their children to be themselves rather than conforming to outside expectations:
“Our kids get to be who they are, not who the world has decided they are.”
Kerry Washington, actress.
While Kerry has consistently kept her children out of the spotlight, the couple’s desire for privacy extends to their relationship as well. She recounted an occasion nearly two years prior when they attended a couture show in Italy. The event’s house crew snapped a photo of them together, and Kerry wanted to share it publicly, but Nnamdi was hesitant. She explained,
“We had been married 10 years and never posted a picture of ourselves together. We are both the kind of actors who are often trying to tell as much truth as possible behind the mask of the character. I feel like we are more protective of our real truth. That’s not for public consumption.”
Kerry Washington, actress.
Kerry Washington’s Eye-Catching Fashion Moments
While Kerry Washington chooses to keep much of her personal life private, she is famously bold and expressive when it comes to fashion. Across many high-profile events, Washington’s style has captivated audiences with a mix of daring, elegance, and flair. Her red carpet history demonstrates an ability to combine classic looks with modern vibrancy, often making memorable statements through her wardrobe.
At the Met Gala, Washington stunned in a bright red tasselled ensemble, perfectly matching her confident presence on the red carpet. She continued to impress at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, dazzling in a gold-detailed gown that highlighted her poised sophistication. Known for her love of patterns, Washington frequently rocks bold prints, which many fans and critics alike consider a style superpower.
Her fashion choices range from sleek pantsuits paired with striking bold lipstick to classic floral gowns and daring sheer styles. For example, at the premiere of American Son, she made an understated yet powerful statement with a minimalist look that emphasized her charisma and readiness for challenging roles.
Among her standout appearances was the Met Gala under the Camp theme, where she embraced a fearless sleeveless look, and at the Television Academy’s 25th Hall of Fame Ceremony, where she showcased a regal plaid ensemble reminiscent of Scottish tradition. Washington’s ability to pull off leather trousers and silk looks alike reinforces her versatility as a style icon.
Her wardrobe often includes celebrated designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and Versace, with frequent nods to playful and intricate patterns, as seen in polka-dot and cheetah print coats. Washington’s street style also reflects her urban chic aesthetic, combining elegance with contemporary edge, such as her hunter green Johanna Ortiz coat paired with red accessories in New York City.
Additional notable looks include a black off-the-shoulder gown by Boss, a shimmering Prabal Gurung dress at the 2018 Golden Globes, and various floral, metallic, and patchwork couture ensembles that highlight her fearless approach to fashion. From caped dresses at HBO screenings to pleated multicolored gowns and polished black bustier styles, Kerry consistently balances sophistication with boldness.
The Impact of Their Public Presence and Future Prospects
Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha’s joint appearance and interview at the NAACP Image Awards represent a rare moment of openness amid their typically private lives. Their ability to celebrate each other’s achievements publicly, while fiercely protecting their family’s privacy, sets a compelling example of balancing life in the spotlight with personal boundaries.
This couple’s shared commitment to excellence—whether in acting, sports, or family life—reflects a broader narrative about commitment, Black excellence, and authenticity. As Kerry continues to explore meaningful roles and fashion statements, and Nnamdi advances his own career in entertainment, their presence at high-profile events is likely to inspire both fans and peers.
Looking forward, their supportive partnership and mutual respect suggest that they will continue to navigate public life on their own terms, combining professional achievements with cherished private moments. Their story adds valuable depth to conversations about maintaining privacy, celebrating cultural milestones, and elevating Black artistry and excellence.
