Kerry Washington ‘Proud’ Of ‘Scandal’ Diversity

Kerry Washington said Scandal‘s diverse cast represents the “full spectrum of humanity.”

Washington, who stars as crisis manager and “fixer” Olivia Pope, said she is proud of the way the series handles diversity.

“When you look at the cast on our show, you see diversity with regard to ethnicity, with regard to gender, sexual orientation, with regard to age, with regard to race – and that, to me, is what’s most important,” she told Access Hollywood.

“That a show that represents the full spectrum of humanity, or that attempts to get close to representing the full spectrum of humanity, that that show could be so celebrated? That’s what I’m most proud of,” she said.

Washington also said that while Olivia’s heritage is a crucial part of who she is, it isn’t the only thing.

“I love that Olivia’s race is an important aspect of who she is, but it’s not the only defining aspect of who she is,” she said.

Kerry Washington is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Scandal. If she wins, she’ll be the first African-American woman to win in that category.

Dan Bucatinsky, who plays journalist James Novak, won the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. His character married to Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry), the White House Chief of Staff.

Bucatinksy said he had to “pinch” himself when he learned that he won.

“It was a magical night. I had to pinch myself and I still am. I look at the statue and I wonder whose is that,” he said. “It really is something I feel like I can share with the rest of the cast.” Bucatinsky’s win is the first for the series. The New York native said he is rooting for Washington to win in her category.

“It feels like we all can celebrate something that is about the groundswell of support about the show and I’m hoping that it’s a historical night for Kerry [Washington] as well on Sunday,” he said.

The third season of Scandal premieres October 3.

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