Jane Fonda’s Inspiring and Empathetic SAG Life Achievement Award Speech
Jane FondaOn a night filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Jane Fonda, the illustrious actress and activist, took center stage at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards to accept the prestigious Life Achievement Award. The event, held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, became a memorable evening not only for its celebration of Fonda's extraordinary career but also for her stirring acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience.
At 87, Fonda was presented with the award by fellow actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and she commenced her speech with her characteristic charm and wit, acknowledging the surreal nature of her long and varied career. "I’m a late bloomer", she confessed with a humorous nod to her unconventional path, stating, "This is the flower show". Her words quickly transitioned from personal reflection to a broader call to action, as she urged the audience to embrace empathy in these challenging times.
Despite the prestige of the moment, Fonda's speech was humorously interrupted by technical difficulties, including awkward microphone noises and a partially played voiceover announcement. Ever the consummate professional, Fonda smoothly incorporated these interruptions into her speech, quipping, "I can conjure up voices!" and continued undeterred.
Fonda's speech highlighted the unique role actors play in fostering empathy, describing how the craft allows performers to delve deeply into the lives of others, an endeavor she declared as creating "empathy". She passionately articulated the importance of understanding and empathizing with the characters actors portray, emphasizing that empathy is neither "weak nor woke", but a necessary human connection. "Woke just means you give a damn about other people", she asserted, to the approving applause from the audience.
Her message did not shy away from the political, as Fonda, a veteran activist herself, called for unity and resilience amidst growing divisive political climates. She urged her peers to "not judge but listen from our hearts" and to create a big tent of inclusivity and support, echoing past movements and personal experiences that have marked her path.
Fonda's profound legacy spans over six decades, with a diverse array of awards and recognitions including two Oscars, an Emmy, and several Golden Globes. Beyond her screen achievements, Fonda has remained a stalwart advocate for civil rights, gender equality, and environmental justice. Her acceptance speech was a testament to her enduring spirit, blending humor, introspection, and a powerful call to action that left a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
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