Jane Fonda took to the stage at Sunday night’s SAG Awards to deliver a powerful message of resilience and activism after overcoming technical difficulties during her speech. The iconic actress, who was honored with the SAG lifetime achievement award, reflected on her journey in both acting and activism at the age of 87, emphasizing that it is never too late to make an impact.
Fonda, celebrating her late blooming status, humorously remarked, “It’s okay to be a late bloomer as long as you don’t miss the flower show,” pointing to her award. She expressed her deep commitment to the craft of acting, stating that it enables artists to broaden perspectives and bring laughter in challenging times.
Central to her message was a call for solidarity and support for unions at a time when workers’ rights face significant challenges. Fonda highlighted the unique role of actors and artists in fostering empathy rather than producing tangible goods, saying, “Actors create empathy.” She urged fellow artists to understand the complexity of the characters they portray, as illustrated by Sebastian Stan’s role as Donald Trump.
During her speech, she did not shy away from addressing pressing political issues. Acknowledging the difficulties many people face due to current events, Fonda insisted on the necessity of empathy, regardless of political differences. She stated, “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke,” and clarified that being “woke” simply signifies caring for others.
Fonda invoked historical movements, such as the Civil Rights movement, affirming that we are in a crucial “documentary moment” that requires collective action and understanding. She concluded her address with words of hope, promising, “There will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in” as we navigate the future together.
Jane Fonda’s speech resonated deeply with both veteran actors and the younger generation, reminding everyone of the power of narrative and compassion in fostering change. Her lifelong dedication to activism and the arts continues to inspire, demonstrating that age is no barrier to influence and that empathy remains a vital strength in society.