Kerry Washington wins three NAACP Image Awards

Actress Kerry Washington was one of the big winners at last night’s NAACP Image Awards, taking home a total of three awards for her roles in Scandal and Django Unchained and for her public service.

Washington won Outstanding Actress in a TV Drama for ABC’s Scandal and a Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the Quentin Tarantino western film. According to The Associated Press, she was also presented with the President's Award for her public service.

“This award does not belong to me,” she said when accepting the award for Django, reports The Hollywood Reporter. “It belongs to our ancestors. We shot this film on a slave plantation in the South. They were with us every step of the way.”

Although the film was harshly criticized for its use of the n-word, she thanked her director. “Thank you for telling this story no matter what anyone says,” she said.

Other acting awards went to Denzel Washington (Flight), Viola Davis (Don’t Back Down) and Samuel L. Jackson (Django).

The George Lucas-produced Red Tails won Best Picture. The film focused on the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. “Look, I beat Quentin Tarantino,” Lucas said when he accepted the award. In addition, he thanked the pilots who inspired the film.

On the TV side, The Game won best comedy, while Scandal won drama. Don Cheadle (House of Lies), LL Cool J (NCIS: LA) and Cassi Davis (House of Payne) won in the lead categories.

Sidney Poitier was also on hand to present Harry Belafonte the Spingarn Medal for his iconic career and service. Jamie Foxx won entertainer of the year.