Jane Fonda, the iconic actress and activist, was honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, was marked by Fonda's powerful acceptance speech, where she not only reflected on her illustrious career but also passionately addressed pressing societal issues.
At 87 years old, Jane Fonda's influence remains strong, both as a performer and as an advocate for social justice. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards, including two Oscars, and has been at the forefront of activism for various causes including environmentalism and civil rights. Her speech was introduced by comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who humorously noted how Fonda sets the bar high for both acting and activism.
Fonda began her acceptance speech by stating, "What we create as actors is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so deeply we can touch their soul. And make no mistake: empathy is not weakness or woke. By the way, woke just means you care about others." This opening set the tone for her message, emphasizing the role of actors to inspire and connect with audiences on emotional levels.
Throughout her speech, Fonda stressed the significance of empathy, especially during challenging political times. She remarked, "A lot of people will be really hurt by what’s happening, even if they are from different political factions. We need to call on our empathy and not judge but listen with our hearts." This sentiment resonates strongly as divisions within society have become increasingly pronounced.
Fonda’s activism is not just limited to her speeches; it is embedded within her life experiences. She has faced arrest multiple times for her environmental protests, emphasizing her strong commitment to causes she believes in. Her words on stage made it clear: "The union means power and that's really important at this moment when worker power is under attack and the community is being weakened." Here, she drew attention to the importance of solidarity among workers and the role of unions, particularly at this time of economic uncertainties.
Reflecting on the dynamics of Hollywood, Fonda urged her colleagues to embrace their power and use it for the common good. She urged them not to restrict their empathy only to those who share their views, stating, "It’s not just about you and your beliefs. It’s about embracing humanity as a whole." With this call for inclusivity, Fonda aimed to bridge divides, encouraging listeners to remain united.
Fonda's speech also drew parallels between her experiences and those of past civil rights movements. She invoked historical moments, asking the audience to reflect on their willingness to stand for justice as she described moments of tension from her early acting career during the McCarthy era. "Have you ever watched footage of great social movements and questioned your courage? We are living our documentary moment now," she emphasized, urging Hollywood to rise to the occasion.
Ending her emotional address, Fonda provided words of hope and resilience, stating, "There will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth to swim in." Her final remarks underscored the idea of optimism and the courage needed to tackle the challenges society faces today. "Let’s make sure we find ways to project an inspiring message for the future, one filled with love and acceptance," she concluded, leaving the audience not only applauding but inspired.
Fonda’s acceptance of the SAG Life Achievement Award was more than just recognition of her past contributions; it was a rallying cry for all actors and entertainers to embrace their roles as empathetic storytellers and advocates for change. The heartfelt gratitude expressed by her peers during the standing ovation reflected the immense impact she has had and continues to have on the entertainment industry and beyond.