Also,
Kerry has just been named Glamour Magazine's 2013 "Woman of the Year." Via Glamour Magazine:

First Lady Michelle Obama put it best: “There’s no bigger star right now than Kerry.” And it’s true. With her hit TV drama, Scandal, Washington has ignited our Thursday nights and given us major watercooler talking points on Friday mornings. This year she made history as the first African American actress in almost two decades to be nominated for an Emmy for a leading dramatic role on network TV. 

The 36-year-old—previously known for powerhouse supporting parts in movies like Ray and Django Unchained—has also become a style icon, winning unanimous perfect 10s from red-carpet judges. And Washington has earned White House credentials as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “She’s the real thing,” Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes tells Glamour. “Kerry is brilliant, genuine, wildly talented, emotionally strong, truly kind, and incredibly hardworking.” As Washington, D.C., crisis-management expert and self-described “gladiator” Olivia Pope—an Armani-suited fixer who needs some serious fixing herself— Washington has become one of the most beloved actresses in America.

As the daughter of a college professor, she grew up talking issues. “It’s a reality that in this country, we still don’t pay women what we pay men, and we don’t pay people of color what we pay white people,” she says. “It’s important for people to think about that.” The woman is good for America’s brains. 

After appearing on Glamour’s October 2013 cover, Washington inspired letters from readers describing her as “the epitome of intelligence,” “powerful,” and “badass.” To that last one, we say: Right on. “My role in Scandal teaches women that you don’t have to be an accessory,” she says. 

“You can be the lead in your own life.” Washington’s personal heroes have shown her how. “I’m walking a path forged by women I’m completely indebted to,” she says, citing good friend Eva Longoria and Judy Smith, the real-life consultant Olivia Pope is based on. “That’s the way it works,” says Washington. “As someone blazes a trail for us, we pay it forward. It’s a very cool ripple effect.”