Awards season is well underway so the stars have been pulling out all the stops to out do each other on the various red carpets.

It was the NAACP Image Awards on Friday evening, and Halle Berry wasn’t the only star that caused waves at the bash.

Django Unchained star Kerry Washington showed why she is one of Hollywood’s hottest stars at the moment, stunning on the red carpet in a pastel gown.

Pretty in pink: The actress looked feminine and polished in the ball gown

While some have been critical of the film for both its violence and its portrayal of African Americans, in accepting the award Kerry made it clear that she was very proud of the film.

‘This award doesn’t belong to me – it belongs to our ancestors,’ she told the star studded audience.

‘We see ourselves in each others stories.’

Accessory accents: The 36-year-old accessorised her look with a pink clutch and nude shoes

Laugh out loud: Lance Gross won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne

The actress landed herself three awards including for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Scandal.

She was also recognised for being a trailblazer as a black woman in a leading role in a prime time series and was given the NAACP President’s Award.

The actress then used her speech to encourage others rather than just thanking people.

‘Be bold. Be bright. Be Black,’ the actress said.

Joking around: While Kerry won serious awards she still found time to joke with presenter Tony Goldwyn