Jane Fonda's in-depth political speech at the 2025 winners at 2025's SAG Awards to pile on to her 2 Academy Awards, 8 Golden Globes, and more.

Jane Fonda, like she has many times before, used her stage to deliver an extensive, heartfelt message about the state of the world and American politics. Her words addressed increasing volatility and a broader inability to converse with empathy, saying, "Even if they are 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." While her speech is undoubtedly politically charged, the blend between politics and entertainment is far more normalized than it was when she won her first Oscar.

Jane Fonda's 1972 Oscars Win Speech Sparked Controversy Without Even Saying Anything Political (Unlike Her SAG Speech)

Jane Fonda's Brief 1972 Oscars Speech Created Ridiculous Backlash

Jane Fonda won her first Oscar in 1972, and she famously took the stage to say, "There's a great deal to say, and I'm not going to say it tonight." At the time, she was referring to the ongoing Vietnam War, and she was able to say an astounding amount with few words due to being previously outspoken on the matter. Fonda knew that speaking about the war on a public stage would only result in controversy, and she happened to be battling the flu that night. Upon advice from her father, she opted not to make any explicit statements.

After the speech, Fonda received notable backlash. Fast-forward to the 2025 SAG Awards ceremony, in an age where actors constantly use their big moments as a way to speak out about their personal social stance. Comparing the two side by side, it's ridiculous how much flack she received for the Oscars comments that ultimately only nodded to the broad existence of problems in the world, while her SAG speech offered meaningful analysis of a pertinent situation.

Jane's father, Henry Fonda, was another legendary actor who starred in films like 12 Angry Men.

Jane Fonda Getting Political In Her Awards Show Speeches Shouldn't Be A Surprise

Jane Fonda Is Known For Her Political Activism

As Julia Louis-Dreyfus said when introducing Jane Fonda at the 2025 SAG Awards, it'd be hard to distinguish Jane Fonda, the actress, from Jane Fonda, the activist. Across several decades of being in the spotlight, Fonda has been equally regarded for her contributions as an activist, speaking out against the Vietnam War, ing the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, ing the LGBTQ+ community, and much more. The SAG Awards speech was nothing new.