Kerry Washington talks 'Scandal,' complexity of Olivia in Ebony

Recent NAACP Image Award winner Kerry Washington is stunning on the March 2013 cover of Ebony. Released Tuesday, the latest issue finds Washington speaking about her character on the ABC drama "Scandal" and just how complex she is.

"In her professional life, she is so powerful and is this self-made woman. In [Olivia’s] personal life, she is a mess and I kind of love that," Washington shares with Ebony.

According to Washington, who accepted an award for this vary role, as crisis manager Olivia Pope, the complexity of this character "takes a certain level of progress."

"I love that I get to embody all of that complexity because I also think it takes a certain level of progress for us to have a Black woman that powerful be an emotional mess on television," admits Washington.

In addition to discussing "Scandal," Washington looks back at her role in "Django Unchained" and the significance of Broomhilda.

"Hollywood's leading lady talks to Ebony about the significance of portraying such dynamic female characters —Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal and the slave, Broomhilda, in Django Unchained," reports Ebony. "She discusses the connection the two characters have, and how they relate to her personal life."

For more of Kerry Washington's cover story, pick up the latest issue of Ebony, which is available now. You can also watch a behind the scenes look at Washington's cover shoot at Ebony.com.

"Scandal" airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. on ABC.