Entertainment TV Dakota Fanning Says She's at Her 'Happiest' Since Turning 30: 'Being Grateful for What I Have' (Exclusive) The 'Ripley' star tells PEOPLE she's "taking advantage of this time in my life and enjoying every moment of it" By Gabrielle Rockson Gabrielle Rockson Gabrielle Rockson is a staff writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She joined PEOPLE in 2023 and covers entertainment and human interest stories. Her previous work can be found in OK! Magazine, MyLondon, GRM Daily, and more. People Editorial Guidelines and Scott Huver Scott Huver Scott Huver is a freelance writer-reporter at PEOPLE. He has been writing about entertainment, celebrity, pop culture, crime, fashion and the Los Angeles area for over 20 years. People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 4, 2024 06:40AM EDT Close Dakota Fanning. Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images Dakota Fanning is reflecting on reaching the big 3-0! The actress spoke exclusively to PEOPLE at the Ripley premiere in Los Angeles on April 3 and opened up about her contentment since turning the milestone in February. “I don't know what it is, it's just like some of the most happiest,” Fanning says. “I'm sort of having to do crazy things like schedule-wise and really busy, but I'm totally fine with it. Nothing's bothering me.” The Watchers star goes on to tell PEOPLE that with the milestone has also come more appreciation and less thought into what hasn't happened in her life yet. “I think I just was really focusing on being grateful for what I do have, rather than constantly ruminating on what I don't have yet," she says. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Dakota Fanning at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Ripley' on April 3, 2024. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Dakota Fanning Says Having Kids Is 'More Important' to Her Than Being an Actor: 'Always Felt That Pull' "And really just focusing on the present and taking advantage of this time in my life and enjoying every moment of it, and instead of being like, ‘Oh, when's that going to happen, when's that going to happen, when's that going to happen?,’” Fanning adds. “Just being like, ‘Oh my God, how exciting that hasn't happened yet,’ and kind of reframing it in that way.” Fanning — who plays the role of Marge Sherwood in the Netflix thriller series — walked the red carpet the premiere in a white asymmetrical gown from Fendi's SS24 Couture Collection. Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Ripley' on April 3, 2024. Frazer Harrison/Getty Dakota Fanning Watches Adorable Home Video of Her and Sister Elle Fanning Dressed Up for Halloween as Kids She also posed for snaps with her costar Andrew Scott, who was dressed in a green blazer and matching pants. Scott, 47, plays the lead in the series, which follows con man Tom Ripley after he is hired by a wealthy father to convince his son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home from Italy. Fanning marked her 30th birthday in February by wearing a red-hot Dolce & Gabbana dress from the luxury brand’s Fall/Winter 23/24 collection. She also accessorized the look with tiny matching red bows in her hair. “💃🏼 30 💃🏼 thank you to my people for making me feel like the luckiest girl in the world always, but especially tonight,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. "Dakota!! Happy Happy Birthday, lady!!!! ❤❤❤," wrote actress Uzo Aduba, while White Lotus star Meghann Fahy added, "Happy birthday 😘."