Jane Fonda, the iconic actress and activist, delivered a powerful acceptance speech at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, where she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. During the ceremony, held on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, Fonda emphasized the importance of empathy, community, and union solidarity, amid a politically charged atmosphere.
At 87 years old, Fonda, whose career spans over six decades, highlighted her long-standing commitment to social justice. "Empathy is not weak or 'woke,'" she stated. "And by the way, 'woke' just means you give a damn about other people." This remark struck at the heart of her critique against the current political climate, hinting at her disapproval of the Trump administration and its policies. Although she did not mention Trump by name, her comments targeted the divisive nature of contemporary politics and the impact it has on society. "A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way," she warned, calling for compassion and unity among differing political factions.
Fonda urged the Hollywood community to reject isolation and strive for inclusivity, stating, "We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable." Her powerful words resonate particularly well today, as they echo the resistance against McCarthyism from the 1950s, when many actors faced persecution for their beliefs. "I made my first movie in 1958. It was at the tail end of McCarthyism, when so many careers were destroyed. Today, it's helpful to note, though, Hollywood resisted. We did," she recalled, tying the historical struggle for artistic freedom to contemporary issues.
Fonda's speech at the SAG Awards was not only about celebrating her own achievements but also about fostering solidarity among those within her industry. Her remarks emphasized the value of unions, remarking, "I'm a big believer in unions. They have our backs. Community means power, and this is really important right now when workers' power has been attacked and community is being weakened." This statement affirms her belief in the collective strength of actors and workers fighting for their rights against overwhelming challenges.
During the night, Fonda also expressed gratitude for the award presented to her by actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, saying, "This means the world to me. Thank you SAG-AFTRA. Your enthusiasm makes this seem less like the late twilight of my life and more like 'Go girl, kick ass.' Which is good because I’m not done." This declaration is not only inspirational for her peers but serves as encouragement to new generations of actors and activists alike.
Fonda, who rose to prominence with films like "Klute," "9 to 5," and "Grace and Frankie," is no stranger to activism. Her legacy includes being arrested multiple times for protesting climate change and social injustice. She cited previous movements, asking the audience to reflect on their courage during times of great strife: "Have any of you ever watched documentaries of social movements and asked yourself, would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge? This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal!" This entreaty highlights her call for courage and proactive engagement with pressing societal issues, stating firmly, "We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future."
Fonda’s remarks were punctuated by humor and charisma, even amid some technical difficulties during her speech. At one point, she quipped about conjuring up voices when the teleprompter malfunctioned. This lightheartedness only underscored her resilience and passionate spirit. Fonda’s ability to draw laughter from the audience, even when tackling serious themes, reflects her expertise as both actress and social commentator.
The SAG Life Achievement Award is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify the ideals of the acting profession and make significant contributions to society. Past recipients include legends such as Barbra Streisand and Helen Mirren. Fonda is the 60th recipient of this honor, solidifying her status as both a revered actress and tireless advocate for the causes she believes deeply in.
Fonda openly acknowledged the challenges entertainers face today, particularly under the strain of political tensions. Her speech encapsulated the call for empathy and activism, emphasizing the connection between the contributions of actors and their potential impact on society. "What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so deeply we can touch their souls," she articulated. This statement reminds the public of the integral role art can play humanizing experiences and fostering emotional connections.
Reflecting on her own unexpected path, Fonda noted, "I’ve had a really weird career — totally unstrategic. I retired for 15 years and came back at 65, which is not usual. I made one of my most successful movies in my 80s." Her reflections highlight the unpredictability of life and career, advocating for persistence and passion regardless of age.
Fonda’s decades-long commitment to activism, alongside her illustrious career, positions her uniquely as both elder stateswoman of Hollywood and leader of social movements. The 2025 SAG Awards served as not just another evening of accolades but as a meaningful platform for discussing pressing societal issues, encouraging the community to unite for the common good.
Fonda concluded her acceptance speech by reinforcing her hope for the future and urging her colleagues to embody resilience and unity. "Let’s be brave. We must find ways to project and inspire. On the other side, there will still be love, there will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in." Jane Fonda’s speech, laden with wisdom and hope, is destined to reverberate far beyond the walls of the SAG Awards, inspiring many to embrace empathy and activism.