Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Jane Fonda was honored with the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, recognizing her decades-long career and impactful activism. Fonda, 88, used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to address the importance of empathy, political activism, and standing up against adversity, particularly during challenging times for the U.S.Why It MattersFonda’s acceptance of the Life Achievement Award spotlights her role not only as a legendary actress but also as a powerful voice for social change.Throughout her career, she has used her platform to advocate for climate change awareness, human rights, and, more recently, resistance against political forces she views as harmful.Her speech reinforces the significance of empathy and the strength of unions during times of division.
Honoree Jane Fonda accepts the SAG Life Achievement Award onstage during the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Honoree Jane Fonda accepts the SAG Life Achievement Award onstage during the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
What To KnowFonda acknowledged the magnitude of the honor, expressing gratitude to SAG-AFTRA and her peers for the recognition. She also emphasized the importance of empathy in her speech.The actress subtly called for resistance against policies and attitudes she views as divisive, urging solidarity and inclusivity in the face of rising challenges. “We must not isolate. We must stay in community,” she said.Despite being nominated for four SAG Awards, Fonda has never won. She was nominated as part of the cast of The Butler in 2014 and individually for her performance in Grace and Frankie for three consecutive years beginning in 2017. Fonda’s activism in the 1970s, particularly her involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement, made her a polarizing figure. She has continued to raise awareness for issues she cares about, including climate change, and has been outspoken about her opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies. She did not, however, directly address the president during her speechKnown for her advocacy throughout her career, Fonda reiterated her belief in activism, saying, “We are going to need a big tent to resist, successfully, what’s coming at us.” Her career achievements—spanning over six decades—solidify her place as one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. She has earned two Oscars, multiple Golden Globes, and numerous other accolades for her acting, as well as recognition for her humanitarian efforts.What People Are SayingFonda at the 2025 SAG Awards on Sunday: “This means the world to me, you can’t know. Thank you SAG-AFTRA. And your enthusiasm makes this seem like a late twilight of my life and more like a ‘Go-girl kick ass’—which is good, because I’m not done.””Empathy is not weak or woke. And by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”What Happens NextAs Fonda continues her acting career and advocacy work, her speech serves as a reminder of the powerful intersection between art and activism.With a career still going strong, it’s clear that Fonda will remain a leading force in Hollywood and beyond, using her influence to inspire social change and push for progress in an increasingly polarized world.
