Hollywood legend Jane Fonda took center stage at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday night, delivering a speech that blended personal reflection with a powerful call to political activism. Despite encountering audio issues, the 87-year-old actress remained composed as she accepted the prestigious SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, using the platform to speak on issues ranging from workers’ rights to empathy and political resistance.
In her opening remarks, Fonda shared a lighthearted reflection on her career journey, describing herself as a “late bloomer.” Holding the award in her hands, she said, “It’s okay to be a late bloomer as long as you don’t miss the flower show. I’m a late bloomer. This is the flower show.”
Her comments struck a humble and inspiring tone, suggesting that success and personal growth can arrive at any stage of life. She also emphasized the transformative power of acting, describing how the craft allows performers to open minds, broaden perspectives, and offer comfort during difficult times.
“I love acting,” she said passionately. “We get to open people’s minds to new ideas, take them beyond what they understand of the world and help ‘em laugh when things are tough, like now.”
Fonda, long known for her progressive activism, turned her focus to the importance of unions, particularly in a time when workers’ rights are facing significant challenges. She declared herself a “big believer in unions” and stressed how essential collective power is for protecting workers against exploitation.
“This is really important right now when workers’ power is being attacked and community is being weakened,” Fonda warned, drawing attention to ongoing struggles faced by organized labor across various industries.
Her remarks reflected the broader concerns of the Hollywood community following the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, which saw actors pushing back against unfair labor practices, including concerns about artificial intelligence and residual pay in the age of streaming services.
Fonda also highlighted how acting differs from other forms of labor, focusing on its power to foster empathy and human connection. She emphasized that while actors may not produce physical goods, their work has a profound ability to bridge divides and humanize complex issues.
“While you may hate the behavior of your character, you have to understand and empathize with the traumatized person you’re playing, right?” Fonda explained.
As an example, she cited Oscar-nominated actor Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Donald Trump in the film The Apprentice, noting how actors must immerse themselves in the mindset of their characters without passing judgment.
One of the most memorable and quoted moments from Fonda’s speech came when she defended the term “woke”, which has become a controversial political buzzword. Rejecting negative connotations, she offered a straightforward definition that resonated with the audience.
“Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke,” she asserted. “And, by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.”
Her comment drew applause and served as a rebuttal to critics who have used the term derisively in recent years. Fonda’s words underscored her lifelong commitment to social justice, echoing her decades of activism on issues such as civil rights, climate change, and gender equality.
Fonda’s speech also included a sobering warning about the political climate. Without mentioning specific names, she alluded to former President Donald Trump and the threats she perceives to democracy and human rights.
“A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way,” she cautioned.
Despite her outspoken opposition to Trump, Fonda encouraged empathy across political lines. She called on people to resist division and instead foster understanding, even for those with different political beliefs.
“We need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent because we are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us.”
Her words emphasized the importance of unity in the face of potential political and social challenges, urging people to come together despite their differences.
Drawing comparisons to pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, Fonda described the current era as a “documentary moment.” She suggested that the actions people take today will be examined and remembered by future generations.
Her message called on people to engage actively with the political landscape, reminding them that their choices and activism will shape the future.
Fonda concluded her speech on a note of hope, reassuring the audience that despite the challenges ahead, beauty and truth will always persist.
“There will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in,” she said, leaving the audience with a sense of optimism and determination.
Her closing words encapsulated the spirit of resilience and empathy that has defined both her acting career and activism, offering a call to action for future generations to continue the fight for justice and human dignity.
