'Scandal's' Kerry Washington and Joe Morton receive 2017 NAACP nomination

“Scandal’s” Kerry Washington and Joe Morton are two of the nominees in the 2017 NAACP nomination. The candidates for the 48th NAACP Image Awards were announced on Dec. 13.

Kerry Washington, who playes Olivia Pope on “Scandal” was nominated as Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Aside from Kerry, her co-star Joe Morton, who plays Rowan Pope also got nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

As for the other nominees, Beyoncé leads with seven nominations. She is nominated in the following categories: Entertainer of the Year, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration, Outstanding Music Video, Outstanding Song – Contemporary and Oustanding Album. She is followed by her sister Solange Knowles with five nominations. For the television categories, ABC and HBO are now leading with 23 nominations and 14 nominations, respectively.

The giving of recognition in the NAACP Image Awards is a way to celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film. Aside from that, NAACP also acknowledges different individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

“The NAACP is delighted to have a great collaboration with TV One and we look forward to working with them again to create a memorable evening of entertainment celebrating the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of those in our community,” said Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

The winners will be announced on Feb. 2017.

"Scandal" will return on Jan. 2017. The show is aired every Thursday at 9PM in Australia on the Seven Network and reruns airing on SoHo channel.