At the Sundance Film Festival, Kerry Washington was awarded the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, earning an unrestricted $250,000 grant to advance her civic engagement initiatives and protect democratic freedoms. This recognition places Washington alongside influential change makers dedicated to social justice and activism.
The Elevate Prize has previously recognized notable recipients such as Michael J. Fox, George Clooney, Dwyane Wade, Amal Clooney, Matt Damon, Malala Yousafzai, and the Sesame Street Workshop for their impactful contributions to society. Washington expressed deep respect for the company she now joins through this award.
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 Supports Foundation’s Mission to Elevate Real Change Makers
The funding by Elevate directly supports the goals of Washington’s foundation and her production company, Simpson Street, aligning with their commitment to civic engagement. She appreciates Elevate’s aim to “make good famous,” which resonates with her advocacy efforts. This clarity emerged strongly after the 2016 U.S. election, prompted by online trends around her fictional Scandal character, Olivia Pope.
The focus was on her, well, on me and Olivia Pope,
Washington recalled.
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
Washington’s foundation concentrates on amplifying grassroots organizers and activists by providing media training and resources, helping their efforts gain wider visibility. The grant from Elevate will enable the expansion of these programs and strengthen existing partnerships.
Washington’s Early Activism Shapes Her Approach to Art and Advocacy
Washington’s commitment to social change was rooted in her teenage years through peer-to-peer theater programs touring the East Coast, educating on safer sex, HIV prevention, and substance abuse. These formative experiences instilled a lifelong connection between performance and activism.
Very early on in my life, I connected theater with social change and with activism,
she reflected, describing how the group fought censorship and advocated for healthcare funding access.
So I’m not new to this. This idea has been in my life for decades.
– Kerry Washington, actress and activist
This background also influences the roles she selects as an actor and producer. Washington prioritizes truthful storytelling that honors justice and refuses to diminish Black women. Her production company, Simpson Street, emphasizes narratives that illuminate humanity and diversity in complex ways.
Art as a Vehicle to Uplift Stories of Humanity and Value
Washington strongly advocates for storytelling that affirms the worth of marginalized communities. She believes that sharing these experiences counters societal messages that dismiss their history, joy, and presence.
Right now we need to be telling all the stories that uplift our humanity and our value, our presence,
she stated.
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,
Any story that uplifts our humanity is important at this moment.
– Kerry Washington, actress and activist
Washington underscores that both politically charged and everyday life stories are crucial to preserving humanity amidst current social challenges.
Joining the Next Season of “Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders”
In addition to securing the Elevate Prize, Washington announced her role as executive producer for the upcoming season of the series Nevertheless, titled Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders. The show spotlights grassroots leaders working against polarization and challenges to civil liberties on a global scale.
Washington described the series as an extension of Simpson Street’s VIP Cohort program, which provides training and financial support for activists nationwide.
When I first saw the Elevate series, I realized that this was a global version of what we were doing with VIP,
she explained.
The work of democracy is actually a global effort.
She noted that democratic struggles in other nations offer valuable lessons for the United States and highlighted the series’ broad perspective on democratic resilience.
Encouraging Individual Action within Collective Civic Responsibility
Washington recognizes the emotional toll political engagement can have and offers encouragement to those feeling overwhelmed. She advocates for contributing in manageable ways that fit personal circumstances, emphasizing the power of collective action to ease feelings of isolation.
If you feel overwhelmed, that just means that you’re human,
she assured. You’re not alone. She suggested that people can contribute by marching, voting, helping neighbors, or offering support in everyday acts.
Figure out what it is that you can give and give of yourself,
she encouraged, underscoring the importance of community involvement.
The Importance of Artistic Expression in Social Change
Before concluding, Washington highlighted the role of artists in nurturing empathy and understanding through their work. She stressed that supporting creative voices who foster recognition of marginalized communities’ humanity is itself a form of service.
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
The Elevate Prize grant will allow Washington to further bridge art and activism, fortifying her efforts to expand civic engagement and sustain democratic values across diverse communities.
