"Didn’t want to fumble the Tyler Perry bag" — Fans reacts as Kerry Washington goes back on NAACP stage to thank director again

Kerry Washington was declared Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards this year. Amidst tough competition from other brilliant performances, Washington was recognized for her portrayal of Major Charity Adams, the commanding Officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in the movie, The Six Triple Eight.

Washington looked stunned when her name was called as winner of the category. During her speech, she said she was shocked to win the award and graciously thanked her fellow nominees.

"Okay, you guys, you know, on awards shows, when people looked surprised, I never believed that they’re really surprised, except Beyonce at the Grammys. But I’m just shocked. I’m shocked because the women that I’m nominated with are so extraordinary, so extraordinary. I love you all so much and I’m honored to be in a category with you."

She also emphasized the importance of telling such stories:

"How Extraordinary we have always been in a time when our history is being ripped from us when people are trying to get us to not tell our stories; we are telling your stories, ladies, because you are calling us forward into our greatness.”

She added:

"And that’s what this is about, it's about we all of us being called into our greatness. So remember your greatness because that is what the fight is for."

"I want to most importantly thank the women of the 6888, the 855 women of the 6888, who proved to us how extraordinary black women are, how extraordinary we have always been." she said as she thanked the brave women of the 6888, on whom the movie is based."

As the Scandal actress finished her speech and left the stage, presenters Karla Mosley and Clifton Davis, began discussing their new TV show, Beyond the Gates, that follows the lives of the Dupree family.

However, even before the presenters had a chance to present, Washington, in an unexpected move, practically ran back on stage, signalling that she has something more to say.

The award winning actress appeared distraught, and explained that she had forgotten to mention Tyler Perry's name in her vote of thanks. She said into the mic:

"These guys are great they have an amazing show that's going to be premiering soon. But I did not thank Tyler Perry."

Tyker Perry is the director of the award-winning movie, The Triple Six Eight. During the humorous second round of thanks, someone from the audience assured her that Washington has, in fact, already mentioned him during her first speech. To this the actress, seemingly overwhelmed, replied:

"I did?"

MC Lyte assured her from from the audience

"You did!"

The hilarious interaction prompted fans to take to their social media and share their reactions. A user (@joe_teffo) wrote:

"She didn’t want to fumble the Tyler Perry bag, I’m so dead😭" one fan quipped.

Another person said:

"Kerry Washington thought she forgot to thank Tyler Perry, so she went back on stage to thank him only for the audience and the voice of MC Lyte from the NAACP heavens to remind her she did. We are so random and unserious." 😆 🤣

"Kerry Washington was so damn funny for this! 😂😂😂 #NAACPImageAwards," posted an X user.

"Kerry Washington is hilarious!!! She really went over to the mic and was like I am here...ooops!! All for Tyler Perry. Perfect #NAACPImageAwards" said another user.

Later in the evening, Washington once again went up on stage with her other cast members of the film to accept the award for Best Motion Pictures.

Kerry Washington's look for the NAACP Awards

Kerry Washington, who won the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, looked breathtaking in a stunning Prada gown.

Her outfit for the night featured a chic two-piece ensemble, consisting of a purple bandeau paired with a brown maxi skirt.The actress who was styled by Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, also wore diamond earrings to perfectly compliment her outfit.