September 11 marked the 49th birthday of Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. In celebration, fellow acting titan Viola Davis paid tribute to the Empire star in a heartfelt Instagram post. It’s worth noting that both Henson and Davis were nominated in the Best Supporting Actress Oscar category in 2009.

Henson was nominated for her performance as Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, while Davis was nominated for her performance as Mrs. Miller in Doubt. Henson and Davis, both of whom are current leading ladies in film and television, graced the cover of Ebony Magazine that same year. However, the latter revealed that it was Henson who insisted that she be on the cover as well.

Davis wrote on Instagram: I wouldn’t have gotten this cover if you hadn’t insisted. It was just supposed to be you but you told them you wouldn’t do it if you couldn’t do it with me. We held each other up during the Oscars that year. Reminded each other that we deserved to be there. That epitomizes sisterhood, sister love. Love you @tarajiphenson. You are a rare cut diamond. Happy Birthday Queen!

 

Both actresses are wrapping up landmark television roles this television season with Henson in Empire and Davis in How to Get Away With Murder. 

 

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Photo: Getty Images