Hollywood icon Jane Fonda, known for her relentless activism and acclaimed acting career, was honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23, 2025. Accepting the prestigious award at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, Fonda delivered a stirring acceptance speech, blending her experiences as both an actress and activist to inspire her audience.
At 87, Fonda reflected on her six-decade-long career, which has seen her navigate both the silver screen and the battleground of political activism. "Your enthusiasm makes this seem less like the twilight of my life and more like a 'Go girl kick ass.' Because I'm not done," she stated, showcasing her indomitable spirit.
During her acceptance speech, Fonda emphasized the significance of empathy, stating, "Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke. And by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people." This was one of several points where she appeared to allude to the political climate under the Trump administration, urging her peers and the audience to unite against upcoming challenges. "We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future," she added, highlighting the power of community and solidarity.
Fonda, often remembered for her controversial anti-war positions during the Vietnam War, reiterated the urgency of the historical moment. "We are in our documentary moment right now," she asserted, reminding the audience of past struggles for civil rights and social justice, and encouraging them to reflect on their own capacity for courage during oppressive times.
She posed thought-provoking questions to the audience: "Have any of you ever watched a documentary of one of the great social movements, like apartheid or our civil rights movement or Stonewall, and asked yourself, would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge? Would you have been able to take the hoses and the batons and the dogs?" By drawing from historical movements, Fonda sought to hold up a mirror to the present, urging not just recognition of the current political challenges but active participation.
The actress also took time to celebrate the importance of unions, which she described as integral to the power of workers: "Community means power. And this is really important right now when workers' power is being attacked, and community is being weakened.”
Her message was not without controversy, as some media commentators criticized her speech. On Fox News, Brian Kilmeade remarked, "Exactly what the country voted against, Jane Fonda is all for, and I'm sure the crowd loved it." This pushback highlights the divisive nature of contemporary political discourse and reiterates Fonda's role as both artist and activist.
Notably, Fonda’s career has always merged with social convictions. From her early days as “Hanoi Jane” protesting the Vietnam War to her recent involvement with climate change activism, her life mirrors the passions she expresses on stage and screen. Fonda concluded her speech with words from novelist Pearl Cleage: “On the other side of the conflagration, there will still be love. There will still be beauty. And there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in.” This call to collective action ignited applause from the audience, reflecting the bittersweet acknowledgment of the struggles they face.
Fonda's recognition at the SAG Awards not only celebrates her illustrious career but reaffirms the entertainment industry's role as a platform for advocacy. She has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including two Academy Awards, numerous Golden Globes, and is well acknowledged for her persistent influence both on and off screen.
With roles spanning genres and themes, her significant works such as "Klute," "9 to 5," and current projects like the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" have kept her relevant. Fonda’s status as not just an actress but as a cultural figure highlights her resilience and commitment to using her voice for change.
Even after decades, Fonda remains at the forefront of advocacy, embodying the belief she shared at the SAG Awards: "This is big-time serious, folks, so let’s be brave." Her speech, filled with hope and the urgency of action, challenged her audience to rise to the occasion and support those who need help the most.
It’s evident from Fonda's career and her recent remarks, the intersection of art, activism, and humanity remains as important as ever. Her acceptance of the SAG Life Achievement Award encapsulates not just personal accolades but serves as a rallying cry for all to embrace empathy, courage, and community.