Kerry Washington Consulted Viola Davis About Ben Affleck
Kerry Washington sought professional advice from Viola Davis before agreeing to film Animals under Ben Affleck's direction.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Sex Life
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Kerry Washington reached out to Viola Davis for an unfiltered assessment of Ben Affleck's directorial style before committing to the film Animals. The inquiry aimed to ensure a professional environment, specifically regarding the establishment of boundaries for intimate scenes.
Why it matters
Washington prioritized setting clear protocols for intimate scenes on set, viewing professional references as a necessary step for collaboration. This approach reflects a broader industry movement toward increased actor agency and safety in sensitive filming environments.
Ben Affleck previously directed the 2023 film Air, which featured Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan. Davis joined the project after a personal request from Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
The players
Kerry Washington
She is an actor and producer who famously advocated for the removal of a scene in Django Unchained.
Viola Davis
She is an accomplished actor who portrayed Deloris Jordan in the 2023 film Air.
Ben Affleck
He is an actor and director who portrayed Phil Knight in the 2023 film Air.
The details
Before joining the cast of Animals, Washington sought an honest appraisal of working with Affleck. Following that conversation, she and Affleck coordinated on clear, shared rules regarding the filming of intimate scenes.
Timeline
Viola Davis and Ben Affleck collaborated on the film Air in 2023.
Culture Shift
This move highlights the evolving norms in Hollywood where actors increasingly require clear guidelines for sensitive scenes. It marks a departure from historical production cultures by prioritizing direct communication and shared boundaries as a standard for creative collaboration.
This story demonstrates how established professionals are changing their vetting processes to influence work environments. For readers, it underscores how setting clear personal boundaries remains a vital habit across all high-pressure workplaces.
The takeaway
Proactive communication about workplace boundaries can foster a more comfortable environment for complex projects. Defining expectations early remains the most effective tool for maintaining professional autonomy.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving professional standards in Sex Life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Complex.
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