Kerry Washington named Hasty Pudding Theatricals' Woman of the Year

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Scandal and Django Unchained actress Kerry Washington has been named 2016 Woman of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

Previous recipents of the honor include Meryl Streep, Katharine Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Claire Danes, Helen Mirren and Amy Poehler.

Washington is to be presented with her prize Jan. 28 after she leads a parade through the streets of Cambridge and is roasted by members of the drama troupe.

A press conference will follow as well as the performance of songs from the group's 168th production, That 1770s Show.

"We are so excited to honor Kerry Washington as the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year and welcome her to Cambridge to celebrate her many achievements. Kerry is an amazing actress with many fans in the company, and the perfect choice for this honor... But we also feel a bit nervous as we set out to coordinate a perfect event for legendary PR whiz Olivia Pope!" Kennedy Edmonds, troupe member and the show's producer, said in a statement Wednesday.

"If Kerry is anything like her on-screen character, she may turn the tables on us during her roast!" added Bobby Fitzpatrick, president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.