Jane Fonda, a legendary actress and activist, delivered a speech at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards that captivated audiences. Accepting the prestigious Life Achievement Award, she spoke not only about her career but also about the power of empathy and the responsibility of actors in society. Her speech was both inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on those who heard it.
A Warm Welcome and a Strong Start
As Fonda walked onto the stage, she was met with a standing ovation. At 87 years old, her energy and passion were undeniable. She began her speech with humor, saying, “Your enthusiasm makes this seem less like the late twilight of my life and more like a ‘Go girl, kick ass!’” She made it clear that she was far from finished with her mission.
Despite minor technical difficulties during the broadcast, Fonda remained composed. She joked about the sound issues and kept the audience engaged. Instead of focusing on her personal achievements, she quickly turned the discussion toward the deeper meaning of acting and the impact it has on society.
The Power of Acting and Empathy
Fonda emphasized that actors do not produce physical goods like workers in other industries. Instead, their job is to create empathy. She explained that acting is about understanding human emotions so deeply that it allows audiences to connect with different experiences.
She referenced her role in Klute, where she played Bree Daniel, a sex worker. Through this role, she was able to highlight the struggles faced by women who have survived abuse, self-harm, and other challenges. She also spoke directly to male actors, pointing out that many of them have played roles as bullies or misogynists. However, she noted that even when portraying negative characters, actors must find empathy for their roles.
Without naming any political figures, she praised Sebastian Stan’s performance as Donald Trump in The Apprentice, using it as an example of how acting can bring depth and understanding to even the most controversial personalities.
A Message on Today’s Political Climate
Fonda’s speech then shifted to a more serious topic—empathy in today’s society. She expressed concern that empathy is being undermined by those in power. In response to criticism of the term “woke,” she stated, “‘Woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.” This simple yet powerful statement quickly gained attention on social media.
Without directly mentioning the political administration, she warned that many people would suffer from upcoming policies. However, she urged people not to turn against those with different political beliefs. Instead, she called for understanding and inclusion. “Even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent,” she said. She stressed the importance of unity in resisting harmful changes.
A Challenge to the Entertainment Industry
Fonda reminded her fellow actors of Hollywood’s history in fighting injustice. She spoke about past movements, such as the fight against McCarthyism during the Red Scare, the Civil Rights Movement, and the fight against apartheid. She then posed a question to the audience:
“Have any of you ever watched a documentary about one of these great social movements and asked yourself: Would you have been brave enough to walk the bridge? Would you have been able to take the hoses, the batons, and the dogs?”
She told them that this was no longer a hypothetical question. “We don’t have to wonder anymore, because we are in our documentary moment.” Her words encouraged actors to take action, reminding them that history will remember those who stand up for justice.
A Lifetime of Activism
Fonda’s powerful speech was backed by decades of activism. She has never been one to simply donate money or mention causes in passing. She has actively participated in movements and protests, often putting herself at risk for the causes she believes in.
In 1972, she traveled to North Vietnam to speak out against the Vietnam War, earning the controversial nickname “Hanoi Jane.” While her methods were debated, her opposition to the war has since been seen as justified. She also used her platform to raise awareness through films such as Coming Home, which highlighted the struggles of Vietnam veterans, and 9 to 5, a feminist film addressing workplace harassment.
Her activism has continued well into recent years. She stood with Indigenous Water Protectors at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in 2016, protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She was also arrested multiple times in Washington, D.C., while advocating for the Green New Deal, an environmental policy aimed at tackling climate change.
Even when discussing her battle with cancer, she has used her experience to raise awareness about the connections between public health and environmental issues.
A Final Message of Hope and Unity
Fonda’s speech was not just a reflection on her own activism, but also a call to action for others. At a time when trust in the power of celebrities to create change is low, she proved that her words carried weight. She has consistently backed her beliefs with action, and this has earned her respect.
She ended her speech with a clear and urgent message:
“This is big-time, serious, folks. We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future.”
With these words, she reminded everyone—both in Hollywood and beyond—that the fight for justice and empathy is far from over.
