Jane Fonda used her SAG Awards acceptance speech on Sunday night to call for courage in the face of today’s political struggles, saying, “Empathy is not weak or woke.”
Fonda, an Oscar-winning actress and lifelong activist, framed the present moment as a turning point in American history, drawing parallels to past movements like the civil rights movement and Stonewall. Her speech stood out amid a Hollywood awards season that has largely shied away from political statements.
WHY IT MATTERS: Fonda’s speech was a rallying cry for resistance at a time when Trump’s second term and the far-right’s growing influence threaten democratic institutions and civil rights.
THE DETAILS: Fonda, 86, accepted the SAG Life Achievement Award, using her platform to advocate for unions, democracy, and social justice.
- She recalled Hollywood figures who resisted McCarthyism in the 1950s, arguing that today’s political climate demands similar courage.
- “This is our documentary moment,” she said. “This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.”
- Right-wing media figures, including Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, were quick to attack Fonda’s speech. Kilmeade sneered, “Exactly what the country voted against, Jane Fonda is all for.”
THE BACKLASH: Fonda has long been a target of conservative ire due to her activism, including her opposition to the Vietnam War and her climate advocacy.
- MAGA voices have increasingly vilified high-profile progressives, pushing a culture war narrative to distract from the GOP’s failures on economic and social issues.
- While some celebrities have steered clear of politics, Fonda’s speech was a stark reminder that silence is complicity.
WHAT’S NEXT: With Trump emboldened in his second term, activists like Fonda are refusing to back down. Expect more outspoken resistance from Hollywood’s progressives as the fight for democracy intensifies.