Jane Fonda Overcomes Technical Glitch During SAG Awards 2025 Speech
Jane Fonda isn’t one to be silenced by a minor sound issue.
The legendary actress and activist refused to let a technical mishap overshadow her moment at the 2025 SAG Awards, where she was honored with the prestigious Life Achievement Award.
As she took the stage in Los Angeles to deliver her speech, an unexpected audio glitch caused the pre-recorded announcer to speak over her. Rather than allowing the disruption to throw her off, Fonda handled it with her signature charm.
“I can conjure up voices!” she quipped, earning laughter from the audience before seamlessly continuing her speech.
A Message of Empathy and Strength
Reflecting on her illustrious career spanning six decades in film, television, and theater, Fonda emphasized the profound role of actors in fostering understanding.
“Our work as actors is about creating empathy. We dive so deeply into understanding other human beings that we touch their souls,” she explained.
She also made a powerful statement against those who dismiss empathy as a weakness.
“Empathy isn’t weak, nor is it something to be ashamed of. And for those who mock the idea of being ‘woke,’ let’s be clear—woke simply means caring about others.”
An Unconventional Career Path
Fonda described her Hollywood journey as anything but conventional.
“My career has been completely unplanned,” she admitted. “I stepped away for 15 years, only to return at 65, which isn’t typical. Then, in my 80s, I made one of my most successful films. Who knows? Maybe in my 90s, I’ll be doing my own stunts in an action movie!”
With a touch of humor, she reflected on how acting gave her a voice in an era when women were expected to remain quiet.
“I grew up in the ’40s and ’50s, a time when women weren’t encouraged to express opinions or show anger,” she shared. “Acting allowed me to play strong, outspoken women—which, believe it or not, was a bit of a stretch for me.”
A Call to Action
Beyond her work in entertainment, Fonda has been a passionate advocate for civil rights, gender equality, and environmental activism. She reminded the audience of Hollywood’s resilience in times of political oppression.
“I made my first film in 1958, just as McCarthyism was ending—a time when countless careers were destroyed,” she said. “But Hollywood resisted. We stood strong.”
She then posed a poignant question:
“Have you ever watched documentaries about major social movements—civil rights, apartheid, or Stonewall—and wondered, ‘Would I have had the courage to stand on the front lines? To face the water hoses, the batons, the dogs?’”
Without waiting for an answer, she declared, “Well, we don’t have to wonder anymore. We are living in that moment right now. And this is not a rehearsal!”
A Powerful Closing Statement
As she wrapped up her speech, Fonda urged unity and courage in uncertain times.
“We must not ignore the gravity of what’s happening in the world today. We must be brave, stay connected, and support the vulnerable. We must work toward a future that inspires hope.”
However, she also left the audience with a message of resilience.
“No matter what happens, love will persist. Beauty will endure. And there will always be an ocean of truth waiting for us.”
With a speech filled with passion, humor, and unwavering conviction, Fonda once again proved why she remains a formidable force—both in Hollywood and beyond.
And as for whether she could command a room despite technical difficulties? The answer was resoundingly clear: absolutely.
