Stars from "On the Basis of Sex," a new biopic about the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, celebrated the film's Washington, D.C. red-carpet premier on Tuesday at the National Archives.

Actress Felicity Jones, who stars as Ginsburg, said she hoped to capture the true character of the iconic justice and spent time doing research on her life and legacy.

But that was nothing compared to meeting Ginsburg for the first time, an encounter that had Jones nervous.

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“What was lovely was just to see her eyes light up when she saw [fellow actor] Armie Hammer," Jones told The Washington Post on the red carpet.

"I knew in that moment she was a human being,” she joked.

Jones said she hoped Ginsburg was honored by the film.

“It’s wonderful to be celebrating it with her today, and ultimately, it’s just to know how much she loves the film,” she told The Hill.

Armie Hammer stars as Ginsburg's husband, Marty Ginsburg. He said it was a challenge to portray Ginsburg who, unlike his wife, has remained out of the public limelight. But Hammer said he met many people who knew Marty Ginsburg and shared his charm and warmth.

“His charm, his wit, how loving, how nurturing, how supportive he was. I wanted to get all of those things about him,” Hammer said about his portrayal.

Actor Justin Theroux plays public service lawyer Mel Wulf in the upcoming film. He told the Post the movie was not timed to coincide with current day events. The film comes at the end of a year which saw a contentious confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh Brett Michael KavanaughHarris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle Poll: 59 percent think president elected in November should name next Supreme Court justice Feinstein 'surprised and taken aback' by suggestion she's not up for Supreme Court fight MORE.

Theroux said Ginsburg’s recognition as a pop culture icon is a testament to her legacy.

But Theroux also acknowledged the heated political climate today.

Looking ahead to 2020 he said he doesn't know who he will be supporting but has already ruled out one name.

“I don’t know. I know who it’s not going to be — the incumbent,” Theroux said.