Actresses honored for career achievements by Women in Film

Organization lauds Washington, others, for work.

LOS ANGELES — Kerry Washington stepped back into the spotlight for the first time since becoming a mom last month to accept an award from Women in Film.

The “Scandal” star, along with fellow actresses Cate Blanchett, Eva Longoria and Rose Byrne, and “Frozen” writer-director Jennifer Lee, were honored by the nonprofit group Wednesday for their career achievements. Washington and Blanchett each said women must be willing to take risks and reveal imperfections to tell authentic stories about their experiences.

“When we step up for ourselves, we create opportunity, whether it’s because we inspire other people or we employ other people,” said Washington, who gave birth to a daughter in May. She thanked past winner and “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes, who presented Washington with the Lucy Award for developing dynamic and diverse female characters and giving women a chance to soar on both sides of the camera.

Blanchett said women need to overcome the fear that they can’t fail.

“A creative career is only as good as the risks you take with it,” she said. The two-time Oscar winner received the Crystal Award, which recognizes those who’ve helped to expand women’s role in entertainment, from actress Laura Dern.

Longoria accepted the Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award from actresswriter-director Lake Bell, who described her as “a truly huge-hearted, great lady in a very small, sexy and sassy package.”

Longoria said she learned about compassion from her older sister, Lisa, who has special needs. Longoria recalled that when Lisa was in high school, someone stole her letterman’s jacket. Fuming, Longoria wondered who would do such a thing. “Someone who must have been cold,” Lisa suggested.

“I am the woman I am today because she is the woman she is,” Longoria said.

JOHN SHEARER / INVISION Kerry Washington, along with three other actresses and a director, were honored at the Women in Film awards Wednesday in Los Angeles.