Kerry Washington Steals The Spotlight In Scandalously Sexy Dress

Kerry Washington, star of ABC’s “Scandal,” caused a bit of one herself by stealing the limelight when she showed up to support her “dear friend,” legendary actress Cicely Tyson, who was being honored at the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., last night.

In a marked departure from her usual floral patterns or very bright, feminine looks, Kerry, 38, opted for a strapless black corset gown that featured blue feather details around the bust and fit snugly to the hips before flaring out into a long train, and she wore pointy heels.

Her "Scandal" character, Olivia Pope, would have felt right at home at the ceremony, conducted at The Kennedy Center Hall of States. President Barack Obama addressed the well-heeled crowd, which included Kerry and her husband, former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha. The couple share a 20-month-old daughter named Isabelle, and wed quietly in a June 24 ceremony in Hailey, Idaho.

Along with Cicely, the honorees included singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno and conductor Seiji Ozawa. The event is designed to honor those who “represent the voices, soundtracks and stories of our personal lives and memories,” according to a statement by Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. You can see it for yourself when the gala airs on CBS on Dec. 29.