When Jane Fonda beckons you to embrace courage, it’s in your best interest not to disappoint her. The legendary 87-year-old Hollywood figure was feted with the prestigious 2025 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, where she delivered a spellbinding acceptance speech that bore her unmistakable stamp. Preceded by a heartfelt montage chronicling her decades-long cinematic journey and celebrating her unparalleled filmography, Fonda addressed the gathering of Hollywood’s elite and influential, urging them to rise to the occasion amidst the increasingly tumultuous political landscape.
"Do you recall that phrase? It goes something like this: 'It’s perfectly fine to bloom late, as long as you don’t miss the grand floral display.' Well, I’m that late bloomer, and this, my friends, is the Flower Show," Fonda declared on stage during her fiery speech. "I adore acting. It imparts within us the power to broaden people's horizons, guiding them to explore the uncharted realms of the world. Moreover, in trying times such as these, it brings joy to people's hearts. For a woman like me, who grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, when females were denied the right to voice their opinions and were not even permitted to express anger... it was acting that afforded me the opportunity to embody those fiery, opinionated women. For me then, this was undoubtedly an immense challenge. [Laughter]
She further emphasized the significance of unity, asserting, "[Acting] brings us together, forging a community, and community translates into power. This is particularly crucial now, when workers’ rights are under assault and the very fabric of our community is being eroded."
Fonda also touched upon the importance of cultivating empathy amidst the unsettling political transformations society is undergoing. "To truly embody a character who has suffered trauma, you must understand and empathize with them, right? Consider Sebastian Stan in 'The Apprentice.' Make no mistake, empathy is neither a sign of weakness nor wokeness; in fact, being woke simply means caring deeply about others," she expounded. "Many individuals will be profoundly affected by the events unfolding and those yet to come. Even if they hold differing political views, we must summon our empathy, refrain from judgment, and listen with open hearts, welcoming them into our fold. For we will need a vast and inclusive tent to successfully withstand the challenges ahead."
