At the 2025 SAG Life Achievement Awards, Jane Fonda took to the stage to deliver a speech that captured the attention of everyone in the room.
While the legendary actress never directly named Donald Trump, her words were clearly aimed at his administration.
Fonda, known for her activism and her controversial history with political causes, made it clear that she was standing firm on her beliefs.
A Lifetime of Activism
The 87-year-old actress, who gained the nickname “Hanoi Jane” during her protest of the Vietnam War, has spent much of her life championing liberal causes.
Over the years, she has been known for speaking out on various social issues, and her acceptance speech for the SAG Life Achievement Award was no exception.
Fonda referred to the current moment in American history as “our documentary moment,” emphasizing how we’re at a crucial point in time, much like the iconic events of the past such as Stonewall and the March on Selma.
“This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal,” she said, urging her audience to take action now.
A Subtle Critique of Trump
Without directly mentioning Trump’s name, Fonda didn’t shy away from voicing her criticisms of his administration.
She highlighted the importance of empathy, especially in understanding people like Trump, whom she referred to as a “traumatized person.”
The closest she came to speaking about him directly was when discussing actors like Sebastian Stan, who portrayed a younger version of Trump in The Apprentice.
Fonda explained that understanding such characters required empathy, suggesting that their actions stemmed from past abuse and trauma.
“Empathy is not weak or woke,” she declared, adding that “woke” simply means caring about others.
In a passionate moment, Fonda emphasized the need for unity and compassion in the face of what’s to come.
“We need a big tent to resist what’s coming at us,” she stated, encouraging even Trump voters to join the cause, as they too would suffer under his leadership.
A Call for Hollywood to Rise Up
Fonda urged Hollywood to step up just as it did during the McCarthy era.
Recalling her early career during the tail end of McCarthyism, she reminded the audience that Hollywood had once resisted a political climate of fear and persecution.
She even joked about her own longstanding reputation for political activism, saying, “Acting gave me a chance to play angry women with opinions, which, you know, is a bit of a stretch for me.”
As the evening progressed, Fonda used her platform to challenge her peers to join the fight against the current political climate.
“We must not isolate,” she said, calling for unity and the spreading of an inspiring, hopeful message for the future.
Reflecting on Her Career and Legacy
In her speech, Fonda took a moment to reflect on her unique and unorthodox career.
“I’ve had a really weird career,” she shared, noting how she retired for 15 years before returning to the industry at age 65.
She also mentioned how her most successful film came in her 80s, joking that she might be doing her own stunts in an action movie by the time she turns 90.
Fonda expressed how much the SAG Life Achievement Award meant to her, saying, “This means the world to me.”
She also expressed gratitude to her union for their support, feeling empowered by the recognition.
Controversial Past Still Looms
While Fonda’s political activism is well-known, her past remains controversial for some.
In the 1970s, she became a symbol of anti-Vietnam War protests, particularly after a photo of her sitting on an anti-aircraft gun in North Vietnam became infamous.
This image earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane,” and she has faced backlash ever since.
Fonda has since apologized for the incident multiple times, acknowledging that she didn’t fully understand the implications of the photo until much later.
Despite the controversy, Fonda has continued her advocacy, even going door-to-door to campaign for Kamala Harris in Michigan during the 2020 election.
Her history, both as an actress and an activist, has been a mixture of praise and criticism, but Fonda remains unapologetic in her commitment to speaking out.
An Awkward Red Carpet Moment
Earlier in the evening, Fonda’s red carpet interview left some fans concerned.
During her conversation with Lilly Singh, many viewers noticed that the actress seemed disoriented, stumbling over her words and offering terse answers.
Fonda even snapped at Singh at one point, which led to an outpouring of concern on social media.
The interaction sparked a wave of comments online, with some questioning whether Fonda was okay.
“Is Jane Fonda alright?” one person tweeted, noting her slow responses and labored breathing.
The moment added an uncomfortable note to the night, leaving fans worried about the health of the iconic actress.
This story is still developing, but it’s clear that Jane Fonda’s message—whether you agree with her views or not—continues to spark conversation, even decades into her career.
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