Jane Fonda Says ‘Woke Just Means You Give a Damn About Other People,’ Calls on Hollywood to Fight With Empathy in SAG Awards Speech
Jane Fonda called for Hollywood to embrace these challenging times with understanding. She explained that actors generate compassion, stating their purpose is to deeply comprehend other individuals to connect with their essence.
She emphasized that compassion isn't feeble or overly sensitive, clarifying that being aware simply means caring about others. Her dynamic address included subtle references to current politics and government job reductions. She stressed the importance of listening without judgment to those with different views.
Fonda highlighted union strength, particularly SAG-AFTRA's role in safeguarding members. She expressed her strong support for unions, noting their ability to unite people and create strength through unity, especially crucial when worker rights face challenges.
Her remarkable career spans 60 years across movies, TV, and stage, including notable works like "Klute," "Coming Home," "9 to 5," and recent hits "Grace & Frankie" and "80 for Brady." The 87-year-old star has earned two Academy Awards, an Emmy, seven Golden Globes, plus numerous nominations and lifetime honors.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus introduced Fonda, describing her as having an extraordinary life and joking about her tireless energy. The SAG-AFTRA award recognizes actors who exemplify excellence in their profession. Fonda joins distinguished recipients like Barbra Streisand and Helen Mirren.
During her acceptance speech, despite audio difficulties, Fonda described her unique career path, including a 15-year break before returning at 65. She joked about potentially doing action stunts in her 90s. She revealed that acting allowed her to portray strong-minded women, contrasting her upbringing when female opinions were discouraged.
Beyond entertainment, Fonda is recognized for her dedication to social causes, including civil rights, gender equality, and peace advocacy.
Fonda has demonstrated strong environmental advocacy. In 2019, she faced multiple arrests with celebrity companions Ted Danson, Catherine Keener, and Rosanna Arquette while protesting fossil fuel usage at the U.S. Capitol.
During her SAG Awards speech, Fonda reflected on McCarthyism's impact. She recalled starting her film career in 1958, during the anti-communist movement's decline, and praised Hollywood's resistance during that period.
She challenged the audience with a powerful question about historical social movements. She asked if they had considered their own courage while watching documentaries about apartheid, civil rights, or Stonewall. Fonda declared that current times represent our own documentary moment, emphasizing its real-world significance.
Her speech concluded with an optimistic message, assuring that love, beauty, and truth would persist through current challenges. However, she stressed the serious nature of present circumstances. Fonda urged everyone to display courage, maintain connections, support vulnerable populations, and create positive future visions.
She warned against underestimating current events' significance, describing them as critically important. Her final message emphasized bravery, unity, protection of vulnerable groups, and the need to inspire hope for tomorrow.
