Jane Fonda’s Endearing SAG Awards speech Overcomes technical difficulties, and Celebrates Empathy In Acting
Jane Fonda is a celebrated actress, activist and screenwriter. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the SAG Awards 2025. This marks another important milestone in Jane Fonda’s remarkable career. Two-time Oscar winners Jane Fonda and Robert Redford captivated audiences with their powerful speeches. They touched on her personal experience and emphasized the importance social and political engagement. Jane Fonda was able to handle the sound and microphone issues that arose on the 23rd of February with her characteristic wit. She turned what could have easily been a disappointing moment into one she will remember.
Presented with the award by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the *Grace and Frankie* star took to the stage in a stunning floor-length Armani gown. Fonda’s unique style and vibrant personality were perfectly complimented by the peach colored dress with sparkling rhinestones, and an exclusive print on both the skirt and bodice of black squiggly stripes.
Fonda’s talk focused on the importance of empathy to the art of acting. She told her colleagues that the most important thing they can do is “touch” another’s soul by deeply understanding them. In a further explanation of the actors’ ability to understand and feel compassion, she said, “We can relate because we know what makes them tick, their joys and pain are real”. The heartfelt speech was interrupted by an unplanned overhead announcement.
“When we return … here at the 31st …,” the announcer’s voice boomed through the venue.
Fonda, who epitomized poise and professionalism in her professional life, did not miss a beat. She paused and looked around, acknowledging with humor the interruption.
She quipped: “I can create voices.” The star-studded crowd, which included Demi Moore and Jason Segel as well as Ted Danson, laughed and applauded.
Interestingly, the *9 to 5* actress wasn’t the only SAG Award recipient to experience audio-related mishaps during the event.
Earlier in the evening, Timothée Chalamet, who received his first SAG Award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic *A Complete Unknown*, faced an awkward silence while introducing the film alongside his co-stars. Chalamet was quoting the legendary director David Lynch about Dylan but did not realize he needed to continue. Audience members laughed at the accidental pause.
As his co-stars joined in, he jokingly said: “Shoulda been a rehearsal.”
The 31st Annual SAG Awards, despite these minor glitches, served as an opportunity to recognize exceptional talent and, in particular, Jane Fonda’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry and her dedication to social justice. She was able to handle unexpected obstacles with grace and humor, which only enhanced her reputation in the entertainment industry.