Hollywood icon Jane Fonda, at 87 years young, delivered a powerful and politically charged speech at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards that left the audience inspired and reflective. Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fonda used the platform not only to celebrate her illustrious career but also to urge actors and creatives to embrace empathy, resist divisive forces, and project a hopeful vision for the future amid turbulent political times.
The Voice of a Legend
Fonda’s acceptance speech was anything but conventional. Addressing a room filled with Hollywood’s elite, she candidly reflected on her career, activism, and the role of actors in shaping societal narratives. “This isn’t the twilight of my life; it’s a ‘go-girl kick-ass’ moment,” she said with characteristic humor and determination. Her words resonated deeply as she emphasized that her work—and her fight—was far from over.
Fonda described herself as a “late bloomer” who found her voice through acting. “Acting gave me a chance to play angry women with opinions,” she said, referencing her groundbreaking roles in films like Klute, Coming Home, and 9 to 5. For Fonda, acting is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for creating empathy and understanding—a sentiment she believes is vital in today’s polarized climate.
A Rallying Cry for Empathy
One of the most striking moments of Fonda’s speech was her passionate defense of empathy. “Empathy is not weak or woke,” she declared. “By the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.” Her words were a direct challenge to those who dismiss compassion as a weakness or political correctness. Fonda urged her peers to embrace empathy as a powerful force for change.
She highlighted the importance of understanding others, even those with opposing views or ideologies. “A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way,” she warned. “Even if they’re of a different persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and listen with our hearts.”
Fonda’s message was clear: actors have a unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, and this gift should be used to foster unity rather than division.
Resistance Through Community
Fonda’s speech wasn’t just about empathy—it was also about action. She called on actors and creatives to resist forces that threaten societal progress and cohesion. “We are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community and solidarity.
Drawing parallels between today’s challenges and historical movements like civil rights and Stonewall, Fonda reminded the audience that resistance requires bravery and collective effort. “We don’t have to wonder anymore if we’d be brave enough to walk the bridge or face the hoses,” she said. “This is our documentary moment. This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal.”
Her call to action extended beyond Hollywood, urging everyone to support unions and workers’ rights as critical components of community power. “Community means power,” she stressed. “And this is really important right now when workers’ power is being attacked.”
Reflecting on Her Activism
Fonda has long been known for her activism alongside her acting career. From opposing the Vietnam War in the 1970s to leading climate protests in recent years, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice. Her speech at the SAG Awards was no exception.
Looking back on Hollywood’s resistance during McCarthyism—a time when careers were destroyed due to political persecution—Fonda celebrated those who stood up against oppression. She invoked names like Myrna Loy, John Huston, and Billy Wilder as examples of courage in the face of adversity.
“Hollywood fought back then,” she said proudly. “And today we must do the same.”
Projecting Hope Amid Uncertainty
While much of Fonda’s speech focused on resistance and resilience, she also emphasized the importance of hope. “We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future,” she urged. For Fonda, storytelling is not just about reflecting reality but also about imagining possibilities—a task she believes actors are uniquely equipped to undertake.
She challenged her peers to use their art to inspire audiences during difficult times: “We get to open people’s minds to new ideas, take them beyond what they understand of the world, and help them laugh when things are tough.”
A Legacy That Inspires
Jane Fonda’s speech at the SAG Awards was more than an acceptance—it was a manifesto for change. Her words reminded everyone in attendance that acting is not just about entertaining; it’s about connecting, empathizing, and inspiring action.
As Fonda continues her work both on-screen and off-screen, her legacy as an artist-activist remains unparalleled. In an era defined by political division and social unrest, her call for unity through empathy serves as a beacon of hope—not just for Hollywood but for society at large.
For Jane Fonda, age is no barrier, nor is fame an excuse for complacency. She stands as proof that one voice can make a difference—and that it’s never too late to bloom or fight for what matters most.