Kerry Washington Breaks Down Her Career, from Django Unchained to Scandal | Vanity Fair

Kerry Washington discusses the film, television and stage roles that make up her career, including "Our Song," "Save the Last Dance," "Ray," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Last King of Scotland," "Django Unchained," "Scandal," and "American Son."
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Kerry Washington Breaks Down Her Career, from Django Unchained to Scandal | Vanity Fair

[@Mo_B-xv2hv]

The fact that Kerry didn't win several Emmys for Olivia Pope is incriminating. That role was extremely intricate, complex, and loaded with nuances. I'll always remember Olivia for her distinct presence on television. She was so masterful and artful in her portrayal. And her roles in "The Last King of Scotland," "Django", and "Confirmation" are diametrically opposite to Olivia and some were even antithetical to Olivia's role i.e "American Son". And that is a testament to her virtuosity as an actor.

[@joysofjasmin672]

Woww she didn’t win an Emmy? Olivia pope was the most brilliant character.

[@IanBerg]

Ever since The Sopranos and The West Wing both debuted in 1999 we've been in a golden age of American television and the competition is fierce. The entire slate of nominees at the 2013 and 2014 Emmys for Lead Actress in a Drama Series were excellent. Kerry Washington, Claire Danes and Robin Wright were each nominated both of those years along with three others; Claire Danes won in 2013 and Julianna Marguiles won in 2014.

[@Blocktheworldout]

I hope she wins an Oscar one day

[@carrenoneal3220]

Me too I think she is very talented 💖💖💖💖

[@naschellep]

me too. Maybe an Emmy too for Little Fires everywhere

[@doublefudge113]

She should’ve won at least an Emmy by now

[@therapistxaharah1942]

same

[@marionmwongera5036]

Kyla Rae she has won many Emmys

[@christopherlewis7115]

I'll always remember her as Olivia Pope on Scandal.

[@mrsnet]

yup, olitz all day

[@tumelomothoa2860]

Christopher Lewis me too 😚

[@queenrj9734]

over the cliff

[@noahhinton2657]

queen RJ the last season definitely went over a cliff lmao

[@dameceosprings7400]

Yesss

[@cloudlover16]

what an intelligent and elegant woman.

[@21melpomene]

Absolutely. So articulate. She was the first African-American woman I saw on television who made me feel like I could be valued for my intelligence as well (growing up, I had a lot of insecurity about being half-black). People don't think representation in the media is all that important, but it really can be.

[@dianamcfarland1997]

YES, I AGREE!! SHE IS SOOO INTELLIGENT...NOTHING BUT CLASS!! LOVE HER!!

[@lucienpierretoussaint2086]

Well, she's really smart I don't particularly like her for her acting but for how smart she is and humble by heari g her interviews. She's really one of a kind

[@erykahgandy]

I could listen to her talk all day long.

[@doublefudge113]

Same... something about her just makes me want to listen forever

[@iamjaquanna]

Seriously though! I was hanging on to her every word! She is magical.

[@aateriovalhalla2787]

Erykah Gandy I was thinking that too❤️

[@nakyro8715]

Me too 😩

[@Amelianna]

I want Kerry Washington to hug me... Her hugs probably cure cancer and end world hunger

[@devilpupbear09]

Chuck Norris tears cure cancer, too bad he never cries.

[@AnishaPurpleBrisonette]

Amelianna same

[@kendallcreager9425]

I totally agree.She can cure cancer.She is soooo sweeeet

[@QueenB816]

She hugs you and holds your hands while staring you in the eyes while you talk, and then she hugs you again. She holds you tight, and smiles that big beautiful, radiant smile.

[@alexlevingston]

Me too. I'm glad you brought that up. Thanks.

[@jordanharris5896]

Scandal is what made me know who she was. She handled the dynamics of Olivia Pope so well that there’s no one else I can imagine playing the part.

[@munnamoha7831]

Jordan Harris please tell me how I can get scandal season 🙏

[@msaijay1153]

I hated a certain face that she made all the time as olivia pope. This certain disgusted face. But she sure played the role

[@diamondgamer2349]

Im still watching Scandal in Hulu 👍Happy 2021!!🤗Juntos venceremos el Coronavirus 🙏😷

[@kittenmayz611]

I can’t see her as anything else but Olivia Pope. She played the heck out of that role 👏🏽

[@Scptqz]

Lol so did her dad, he was always so crazy with his dialogue

[@yuhashley]

@Ghetto Nitzsche That's rude, and you obviously haven't seen the show because it is so much more than the affair

[@malebom2428]

Kitten Mays is prolly talking bout her performance and not the storyline🙄

[@joymechell277]

"If the world wasn't ready then at least we were proud of what we made "😌 I need to keep this mentality for when I start projects and new ventures in life

[@erinnmjones]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@aateriovalhalla2787]

Joy Mechell She knows how things are and have been and still moved forward👍🏿👍🏿

[@morgankaressa6668]

tea

[@kellynguyen353]

She’s unbelievably stunning

[@peachbIush]

The way she talked about James McAvoy really warmed my heart. You can tell she has immense respect for him.

[@Hollablackgirl93]

This woman is gorgeous inside and out. Gives me those Viola Davis vibes.

[@vuyiswamkhwanazi9503]

And aren't you glad they worked on some crossovers together 😍😍

[@uchechiblxckgoddess]

@@vuyiswamkhwanazi9503 IKR! Just finished the show today and I am beyond amazed and proud. But it still irritates me that she hasn't gotten an Oscar for her performance.

[@whitealliance9540]

Omg i wish they wrote a gangsta movie with her and viola as the bosses!

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

The fact that she didn't have the income to buy a suit for her audition for Scandal is just sad and shows that she did not get paid what she was due for Django. Shame on Quentin.

[@user-mb9nm7bq5e]

Girl she had worked with Chris rock at that point. She had money

[@PlayaP69]

Producers finance films: That credit goes to Mr. Weinstein 🤷.

[@AbsolutAlim]

She had money.

[@antoniobrooks474]

“Shame on Quentin” who is it his fault? Directors don’t pay actors, the studios pay both

[@erinnmjones]

@@antoniobrooks474 he was a producer on the film as well...the only producer

[@karamella565]

She is iconic. Our Olivia Pope.🍷🍿

[@tumelomothoa2860]

Karamella 5 our olitz

[@jasmineblair2647]

i love the emojis that you picked, miss this show so much!!🍷🍿

[@gabbymitaj8165]

The emoji game is fire 😃

[@PoppyCorn144]

“She was *devastated* “ please tell me I’m not the only one who laughed out loud, because it’s so true.

[@BlackGirlMarvel]

NOPE! I just made this same comment!! lol

[@debbiep99]

Loved that!

[@fam7923]

kerry washington DESERVED an emmy for scandal 😩🥺

[@XactlyCeSe1]

I've always admired her ever since I saw her in Save the Last Dance as a kid.

[@erinnmjones]

Same here!

[@sandrallewellyn2632]

And that was only her 3rd acting role!

[@joymechell277]

I just want to meet and have a conversation with Kerry . I feel like I'll leave with new vocabulary, confidence , and the need to uplift someone . She's like the sweetest person ever 😌 and I bet her hugs feel like love personified

[@realiteaparody9198]

Joy Mechell you should check her instagram. She started this new thing where she gives out her real number and texts with fans. I thought it was fake, but it’s really her.

[@joymechell277]

REALITEA PARODY i did and she wished me a happy birthday last week 😌 I just want to meet her in person

[@julieelizabeth510]

Joy, for for it.

[@uchechiblxckgoddess]

Kerry Washington is a true icon. And even though she hasn't won an Oscar for her performance, at least her fans know her worth. She is now definitely going on my list for iconic black actresses. And for those that disagree and want to reply anything but support and positivity, I SAID WHAT I SAID. Kerry Washington's (A.K.A Olivia Pope) legacy will go down in history.

[@phaith6515]

the beauty. the articulateness. the vocabulary. the acting. she’s everything 😍

[@riase]

Her and Lupita are so beautiful, smart and classy.

[@beedabee1221]

Truly! Ooo and Phylicia Rashad😍

[@chrisez3188]

Omg that scene when Kerry’s character in Django gets whipped was so raw and made me so angry because her performance was just phenomenal

[@lrs1519]

chris Ez yes. That part when she was whipped and she was trying to catch her breath while saying “oh God oh God oh God” chokes me up every time. It’s almost as if you could feel the pain on your own back.

[@antoniobrooks474]

You guys always skip over the roles that would be the most compelling to discuss like in Kerry’s case, films like I Think I Love My Wife, Lakeview Terrace, For Colored Girls and Confirmation should’ve been discussed

[@JourneyzwithGod]

Even She Hate Me

[@keyonnahughley7133]

Great point!

[@daijamatthews]

ESPECIALLYYYY For Colored Girls. I know that was not easy.

[@doublefudge113]

Daija Matthews yeah that movie was beautiful but so hard to watch

[@erinnmjones]

Of course they went for the films that had more "commercial" success, but I completely agree with you

[@doublefudge113]

The more interviews I watch of her, the more I feel I learn about her. She’s amazing. I’m so happy she’s getting more recognition because she’s worked so hard to get here. 💗

[@andreadimayuga]

I've always adored Kerry, I adore her even more now. I love how thoughtful she is and how she remembers details about even the "small" roles that she has had. A lot of actors say they love working with someone, but she can expand on that and comment on why and how. Anything she's in, I'm watching. She carries a primetime tv show for 7 years, is in several Oscar nominated films, but she still seems so underrated which I think is part of her charm. Love it.

[@heretogo]

She is a talented actress and one of the most beautiful ones

[@kelly-annpayne9205]

Kerry worked so hard through out her acting career, giving us 100% excellence every time, she's intriguing to watch. That Scandal scene, OMG I REPLAYED IT SO MANY TIMES!

[@iammenaaa]

I love listening to her speak. She’s so articulate

[@kunduo]

She didn't have the income for a suit for scandal???? She deserves so much more

[@nmmarquesm]

She deserves everything she has now! What a woman!

[@gwendolynrogers9616]

Kerry Washington is truly a Phenomenal Woman! Gladiator For Life! Olitz Forever!!

[@riyarajiv812]

This outfit is FIRE and also Kerry Washington is such a strong actor and she deserves to be in more things as a LEAD than just someone’s wife.

[@kingconscience.1597]

Kerry is such a beautifully elegant, intelligent and poised woman. Her talent is so huge!!! I want to see her in more things and eventually winning that Academy Award soon.

[@LegionIvory]

It's so crazy. I knew about Kerry Washington for many years prior to Scandal, and yet it wasn't until Scandal that she obtained great fame.

[@onlyh8720]

So true! I didn’t even know she had a show coming out. I was watching Revenge and that dat Scandal came on instead. I was going to change the channel until I saw her and Columbus Short. I was watching it ever since lol

[@imaniszn]

Kerry is a talented, beautiful & absolutely amazing.. I couldn’t see any one else playing Olivia Pope

[@ATLOreo]

Imani The only other person I could think of was Gabrielle Union but Kerry Washington was perfect 👌🏾

[@priscillavillarruel7039]

She’s amazing, loved her on Scandal! She seems like a genuinely good person such an inspiration.

[@gabrielp9646]

She´s an awesome actress, and she would play a PERFECT Storm in the MCU, if they decide to include the X-Men one day.

[@zodai6806]

Gabriel P thats an insult to her as an actress. She plays far too complex characters to be suitable for MCU

[@gabrielp9646]

@@zodai6806 Really..?? More complex characters than legendary actors like Robert Redford, Michael Keaton, Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges, or Samuel L. Jackson..?? More complex than best-actor oscar winners like Mahershala Ali, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Brie Larson, Forest Whitaker, Gwyneth Patrol, Benicio DelToro..?? More than the new MCU actors, the ones they announced a few months ago?? (those include people like Angelina Jolie, J.K. Simmons, Rachel Weisz, Salma Hayek...) So yeah, I don´t think that would be a problem, Zoda xDxD

[@nguverenahua59]

I adore, I mean really adore this woman, but she would not make a great Storm. Storm has been miscast in every single live action rendition of X-Men. It's rather frustrating tbh.

[@shayfranks23]

Her role in scandal made me fall in love with tv again

[@natalieitliongfechter6073]

Love her! She seems so down to earth during her interviews. She's such an intelligent, confident, and amazing actress!

[@miadaug]

Scandal will always have a place in my heart in terms of TV shows. It was so genius.

[@HollyandChanel]

Omg I would looove to see her and James McAvoy in another film together. They're both fantastic!

[@dreamsofmusicbutalasdayjob5920]

yesss!!!!

[@ororomunroe4055]

Yeah I'd like one where they get a happy ending or at least one where she is not mutilated

[@guguhlophe7774]

'' if you want me, earn me''❤️

[@Paul94096]

What an incredible spirit she is. Scandal changed my life, and I’ll always love her and Queen Shonda for it.

[@Kimberlli]

She's such a light and everyone who has worked with her or met her has nothing but the nicest of things to say.

[@catherinejoystockley3691]

I love her so much ... after watching this I need to binge Save the Last Dance-Ray-Django-Confirmation-Scandal again ... Can’t wait for American Son!!

[@inyostudio]

Kerry's lips are everything.

[@roots4140]

Yesssss

[@FabulousKilljoy917]

I love James McAvoy and Kerry Washington, so YES👏GIVE ME ANOTHER FILM WITH THOSE TWO❤️

[@lilyamooti7924]

Love this woman. she is simply awesome. I believe her true value is not just simply her looks but her intelligence, her grace, her poise & the way she articulates her views on acting, politics, gender & race issues. Keep shining your light gal.

[@ShesAbsurd]

She’s so humble! And I’m enjoying these clips- THE RANGE.

[@pixpusha]

To me she's one of the most beautiful women in the world.

[@FantasticShania]

Mrs.Washington would forever be my icon her role as Oliva Pope inspired me to be so many things ..LOVE HER!!!

[@TheStylinstar]

This was such a delight to watch. Kerry Washington is everything.

[@deedem6945]

I wished she talked about being in Tyler Perry´s movie For Colored Girls. Really good movie with really good actors.

[@goddessnoir290]

They should have let her talk about that than her little role in mr and mrs smith.

[@pinkmapviolin]

They probably have them talk about every role and then edit out some of them

[@queenmc1308]

Amazing movie

[@swannyriver75]

I'll be watching American Son on Netflix I think it's going to be a tear jerker. And Shonda Rhimes if you catch this I need Vermont write us true fans a 2hour finale, finale. And Kerry Washington you're so awesome truly made me believe that brown and black woman can be gorgeous and powerful except if they're dealing with Papa Pope whose now a sweet Reverend 😏

[@yuhashley]

yess! i need to see them in vermont

[@Tima-oz5te]

Making jam!

[@iamjaquanna]

I wanted her to discuss her roles in I Think I Love My Wife and For Colored Girls... I really like those movies..

[@LondonGirl238]

She's an amazing actress and an even better human being.

[@joymechell277]

So glad she spoke on "Lift " and "Our Song " 😍 those movies are what really put me onto her and bookmark her name in my head so whenever she played in something else then I would watch . She hasn't disappointed yet and never will

[@uchechi1982]

Joy Mechell yes

[@lrs1519]

I lovvvvved Lift. They used to play it nearly everyday on BET.

[@tinotendasandra8672]

Scandal was, is, and always will be THAT show. PERIODT! 👏🏾

[@stephaniehyde7087]

I would love to spend a day talking with Kerry Washington. Her brilliant acting and intelligence is inspiring.

[@candelalh2616]

The amount of love , respect and admiration I have for this woman

[@CapOsscy5465]

oooh let’s not forget ‘The Thing’s’ dime piece in fantastic 4

[@KT926]

I can't believe the movies were on the timeline but she didn't talk about them

[@kennkissed]

I admire Kerry so much. She’s so talented and sooo inspirational. Loved this video ♥️

[@sandrallewellyn2632]

Kerry Washington is too beautiful. Poised and thoughtful. I've been a fan since I Save the Last Dance and it's been amazing seeing her growth and success!

[@KCNwokoye]

This is what you get when you are raised with love. You become excellence manifested. Love and wisdom is enshrined in this woman.

[@melsyoutube]

this was such a heart warming interview! she has such an awareness of the bigger picture and is aware of the weight attached to the roles she plays and what they mean! 😭 such a humble spirit, I love that she continuously gave credit to others. I love her!

[@BrooksEM]

I loved this. She's so humble and so full of gratitude. It touched my heart to watch this.

[@fluffybren]

I absolutley love this ! gives us great insight into a actor/actress's into all their roles, small or large !!

[@melloe]

She's so well-spoken and was incredible in American Son! Great to hear about her process for such an intense show.

[@crystallam7335]

Beautifully and heroically presented. Please keep doing what you do, shining light on life and light itself!!

[@hoodini8877]

Yesssss, I love Kerry ❤️❤️❤️❤️ she’s such a strong person, and an inspiration.

[@LeonaOnyx]

“We’re all hero’s of our moment” Preach!

[@bobby_naur]

I don’t understand how actors get paid sometimes. After all she’s done before Scandal she couldn’t afford to buy herself a suit for the audition? 14:01 is it because she’s a woman or because she starred along other big name actors?

[@D.Drayton]

Black women get paid the least in the industry. Plus, actors roles are often few and far between so while she did a lot before Scandal, she may not have gotten consistent roles.

[@richieyh3211]

Grachael Dara is 100% correct, I'll add that before Scandal Kerry hadn't beent the "star" or #1 on the call sheet. With one's position on the call sheet comes a rate (dollar amt). If your acting rate is that of 3rd or 4th on the call sheet it's significantly lower than those higher on the call sheet than yourself. And it's super difficult to increase your rate unless or until someone offers your more than your rate being #1 is one way but that's not a guarantee, it also matters if the studio thinks you can carry a show, if you're worth the investment etc. A really good example of this is Taraji P Henson. She, like Kerry Washington, has been in so many roles and working consistently for years. But she wasn't getting paid well. It wasn't until Tyler Perry increased her rate (paid her above and beyond what the industry said she was worth) was she able to start earning the kind of money she should earn. Scandal did that for Kerry because the role demanded it and Shondaland/ABC recognized that it made good business to do so. There are a lot of factors that go into what an actor is paid, their rate is just a small portion of it.

[@NatrinaLawson]

Also Kerry went to college those loans are no joke. If she bought an Olivia Pope level suit for her audition that's what some folks make in 3months, she was working on an off Broadway play prior and did a couple of tv shows but she wasn't a regular until Scandal.

[@Hollablackgirl93]

We don't even know how much this suit cost. Was it a $100? Was it a $1000? Was it $10,000?

[@bobby_naur]

Thanks y’all! Lol

[@TheChrisSumlin]

What an intelligent and beautiful woman. I was first introduced to her in I Think I Love My Wife. It was very impressive hearing her go through these moments in her career. The producer did a really good job on this video. Loved this!

[@jordanharris5896]

The way she described Scandal was spot on.

[@mqk1697]

So incredibly well put together and smart. She's simply a dream!

[@hannahjones3146]

I'm so happy this was done. This is my favorite actress.

[@Luvanmusiq]

In my head and in my heart we are best friends. She is everything.

[@TheNewTomboy]

😬😂😂😂😬😬😬

[@MM-mn1uv]

Love her. So elegant, intelligent and an amazing actress.

[@gracefulh3545]

probably my favorite "career breakdown" videos tbh, kerry washington is amazing

[@jhoniikemp]

What happened to "I Think I Love My Wife" w/ Chris Rock??

[@Opinions.of.Rih.]

@JazzyQ Was thinking the same

[@user-uz1nv9oq3s]

I hated her for awhile after that movie. Lol!

[@elliottknight5788]

I forgot she played in Ray, and she did an amazing job! one of the few roles that shows her range in acting

[@ERVIN1931]

She is a very beautiful actress and very talented I enjoyed watching her very much I'm glad she's breaking the line between different backgrounds we're all people we all need to get along see only takes one to make a difference so thank you

[@melanienelson1148]

She is absolutely delightful. Now I have to add "Scandal" to my Netflix queue.

[@lauriebarton2579]

always so brilliantly spoken.. with ease

[@kiddonkiddojr.6578]

I remember when Scandal first came on my entire family came together every week to watch her be Magical she is a joy to watch. Absolute perfection I adore her❤️

[@smilealwaysnatasha3423]

Her and Kimberly relaxes me. I can’t really explain it but they calm me down and I feel they are so underrated ❤️

[@naseemaveasey4807]

She needs to get an Oscar/ Emmy for her acting in American Son👏🏽💯

[@melissah170]

It's so meaningful to hear her speak about the emotion that she felt as an actress in Django.

[@IJoniTells]

Amazing woman! She's lived an amazing life and I love all her roles.

[@lincolnloggedon]

I love Kerry Washington!!! Gorg is an understatement but such a talent.

[@mirandagiselle3000]

She’s extraordinary ❤️

[@cass1478]

I love these videos and this one is particularly amazing!

[@iamtvblake]

I admire how humble she is and just as talented.

[@alexsandersousa9901]

Django it's my favorite movie, and she was great

[@MojenasWorld]

This was so inspiring as a young, black actress myself. Thank you, Kerry Washington and Vanity Fair.

[@jordache141]

I never screamed and clicked so fast in my entire life. This is mom right here omg 😂💙💙💙

[@ThingsiHateLots]

I love that she adds shoplifting to her list of skills she’s proud to have learnt through her career 😂

[@mon6745]

I love Kerri- this was soo good! And American Son was a stunning movie.!

[@shireen2296]

I first watched Kerry Washington in Mr & Mrs Smith and Fantastic Four and I've been following her career since. She sounds so smart, elegant and grateful.

[@rashidaadekoya5518]

Why she skip over “She hate Me”!! I loved her character in that movie

[@getoffyoursoapbox1901]

Rashida Adekoya cause she was too thotty in that movie