Kerry Washington, a prominent actress, was recently honored with the prestigious Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at the Sundance Film Festival, recognizing her unwavering commitment to promoting civic participation and safeguarding democratic principles. Concurrently, she announced her involvement as an executive producer for the upcoming second season of 'Nevertheless,' a documentary series produced by Elevate Studios. This series aims to highlight the efforts of individuals globally who are dedicated to upholding democratic ideals.
The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award is bestowed upon influential figures who leverage their platforms to inspire positive global change. Recipients are granted $250,000 in unrestricted funding to further their impactful work and mission. Washington's recognition stems from her consistent advocacy for democratic freedoms and her efforts to foster greater civic engagement.
In a discussion with Variety, Washington expressed her enthusiasm for the award, emphasizing its role in spotlighting community organizers and leaders. She underscored her personal mission to utilize her public presence to support grassroots organizations, helping them amplify their messages and effectively communicate their stories through both traditional and digital media. The Catalyst Award, she noted, will enable her to channel resources towards initiatives and leaders dedicated to strengthening democracy and empowering those who tirelessly work to protect it.
'Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders,' the forthcoming season of the docuseries from the Elevate Prize Foundation's production arm, will shine a light on unsung heroes at the grassroots level. These individuals are actively confronting the challenges of increasing polarization, threats to civil liberties, and the erosion of democratic systems worldwide. The series will feature inspiring figures such as Koketso Moeti from South Africa, who mobilizes communities for civic activism; Yordanos Eyoel, advancing inclusive democracy in the U.S., South Africa, and Brazil; Hannah Fried, leading efforts to protect voting rights in Washington, D.C.; and Imran Ahmed, combating digital hate to safeguard human rights online.
Washington articulated that the series is founded on the belief that every individual is the protagonist of their own narrative, and every story merits telling. She highlighted the importance of showcasing how ordinary citizens are making extraordinary efforts to preserve democracy, often at significant personal sacrifice and without widespread recognition. This form of storytelling, she believes, demonstrates that democracy is a dynamic practice worth defending and elevates these phenomenal organizers to the heroic status they deserve.
The Elevate Prize Foundation, established in 2019 by philanthropist Joseph Deitch, is a non-profit organization committed to making positive impact renowned. Elevate Studios, launched in 2025, specifically focuses on financing and distributing content with a strong purpose. Beyond the Catalyst Award, the foundation also administers the Get Loud Award, which provides monthly grants to bolster grassroots movements and build community power. Previous laureates of the Elevate Foundation Catalyst Award include notable personalities like Dwyane Wade, Michael J. Fox, Matt Damon, George and Amal Clooney, Sesame Street Workshop, and Malala Yousafzai, all recognized for their profound contributions to societal betterment.
This initiative by Kerry Washington and the Elevate Prize Foundation serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous effort required to maintain and strengthen democratic institutions. By illuminating the work of those on the front lines, they aim to inspire a broader engagement in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world, emphasizing that civic participation is a cornerstone of a healthy society.