Jane Fonda has never been one to let obstacles get in her way—and the 87-year-old actress proved it once again during her powerful acceptance speech at the 2025 SAG Awards, despite a series of technical mishaps.

Honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award, Fonda took the stage at the Shrine Auditorium to deliver a speech reflecting on her legendary career, activism, and the power of empathy in storytelling. However, just as she began speaking, the microphone malfunctioned, causing her voice to fade in and out. Moments later, the sound system emitted a strange series of noises, followed by a partial voiceover announcement that suddenly cut in with, “Here at the 31st…” before abruptly stopping.

Fonda, ever the seasoned performer, handled the disruptions with grace and humor. Instead of being thrown off, she seamlessly incorporated the glitch into her remarks, quipping, “And I can conjure up voices.” With a quick smile, she pressed on, unfazed.

Her speech centered on the unique role actors play in fostering understanding. “SAG-AFTRA is different from most other unions,” she said. “Because we, as actors, don’t manufacture anything tangible. What we create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human so profoundly that we can touch their souls.”

The two-time Oscar winner, known for her work in films such as Klute, 9 to 5, The China Syndrome, Coming Home, and Monster-in-Law, as well as her groundbreaking fitness empire, used the moment to deliver an impassioned plea for unity and activism.

“Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke,” she declared. “And by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”

Fonda warned of difficult times ahead and urged people, regardless of political beliefs, to find common ground. “A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way,” she continued. “Even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy, not judge, but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent. Because we are going to need a big tent for what’s coming at us.”

Fonda has long been a voice for social change, from her vocal opposition to the Vietnam War to her advocacy for women’s rights, civil rights, and climate activism. She reminded the audience that they are living through a pivotal moment in history.

“Have any of you ever watched a documentary about a great social movement and asked yourself, ‘Would I have been brave enough?’” she asked. “We don’t have to wonder anymore because we are in our documentary moment. This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.”

Referencing classic films about activism, she urged, “This is a good time for a little Norma Rae or Karen Silkwood.”

As one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures, Fonda has collected numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, an Emmy, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and the Golden Globe’s Cecil B. DeMille Award. As presenter Julia Louis-Dreyfus humorously noted, she even earned a “spot on Richard Nixon’s enemies list.”

Before leaving the stage, Fonda left the audience with one final call to action.

“We must not isolate,” she urged. “We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future—one that is beckoning, welcoming, and full of love and beauty. On the other side of the conflagration, there will still be truth for us to swim in.”

Despite the night’s technical hiccups, Fonda’s message rang loud and clear: resilience, empathy, and activism remain as vital as ever.

Source: Entertainment Weekly