Kerry Washington recalls Julia Stiles’ bold move during freezing 'Save the Last Dance' shoot

Kerry Washington has recalled how Julia Stiles stood up for both actresses during a challenging moment on the set of their 2001 film Save the Last Dance, teaching Washington an important lesson about advocating for herself at work.

During an appearance on Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, Washington, 49, described filming an outdoor scene in freezing Chicago temperatures. The actresses were dressed in light costumes while members of the crew wore heavy winter clothing to protect themselves from the cold.

Washington explained that the scene required the two women to get out of a car. The conditions were so uncomfortable that their hands became numb and their breath was visible as they spoke.

She also recalled that several crew members had previously worked on Fargo and were bundled up in winter gear, contrasting with the lighter outfits worn by the actresses for the scene.

According to Washington, the director eventually approached them and asked for another take. Stiles responded by agreeing to continue filming as long as the director removed his coat.

The director accepted the challenge, took off his coat and allowed the production to complete what became the final take of the scene.

Washington said the incident left a lasting impression on her, explaining that it taught her the importance of speaking up for herself on a film set.

In Save the Last Dance, Stiles played Sara, a suburban ballerina who moves to Chicago's South Side after her mother dies in a car accident. Washington portrayed Chenille, a friend who becomes part of Sara's new life as she navigates grief, relationships and her passion for dance.

Stiles has recently revisited the film's legacy through a routine on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. She previously told PEOPLE that participating in the competition was an opportunity to rebuild her confidence as a performer and share more of herself with audiences.