Fanning endeared herself to Washington just as her character did to his.

you’re able to’t not like her."

And decades later, that admiration is still mutual.

Dakota Fanning, Denzel Washington smiling

That connection was strengthened by Fanning’s friendship with another Washington: Denzel’s daughter.

“There is definitely no one better to go up against than Denzel … “It was weird, you know, ‘cause I’m like, ‘Oh she’s a grown woman.

“And, you know, obviously a great talent…

Denzel Washington Dakota Fanning Instagram Stories

It wasn’t really strange, ‘cause she was bringing it.”