Jane Fonda's Inspiring SAG Awards Speech on Empathy and Community

At the 2025 SAG Awards, Jane Fonda delivered a powerful speech that resonated with many, offering a profound perspective on the concept of "wokeness". Her words served as a vital reminder of the importance of empathy and solidarity in today’s challenging political climate.

On February 23rd, the legendary actress, known for her decades-long commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. With a career spanning 65 years, Fonda has captivated audiences through her performances in films such as Book Club (2018), Barbarella (1968), and 9 to 5 (1980), to name a few. Her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony was a call to action, urging the Hollywood community to unite and confront the pressing issues of our time.

Embracing Empathy and Action

Fonda emphasized the role of actors in fostering empathy, stating, "What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls." She challenged the misconception that empathy is synonymous with weakness or being "woke." Instead, she offered a simple yet profound definition: "By the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people."

Her message was clear: empathy is a powerful force for change, and it is imperative for those in the arts to use their platform to create a more inclusive and understanding world. Fonda’s words were especially poignant given the current socio-political climate, which she described as “big time serious folks.”

Resisting with Unity

Throughout her speech, Fonda urged the entertainment industry to "resist successfully" by coming together as a community. She highlighted the importance of solidarity among unions like SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) in the face of political changes that threaten to undermine arts and culture.

Fonda’s remarks seemed to reference the ongoing challenges posed by the Trump-Vance administration’s policies, which have led to federal job cuts and a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These changes, she noted, have had a tangible impact on arts and music spaces, affecting countless individuals.

"A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening," she warned. "Even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to not judge but listen from our hearts." Her call for compassion over judgement is a reminder of the power of listening and understanding in bridging divides.

A Vision for the Future

Fonda didn't stop at identifying the problems; she also painted a vision for the future. She encouraged her peers to maintain courage and not to isolate themselves, but rather to stay connected and supportive of the vulnerable.

"This is big time serious folks, so let’s be brave," she urged. "We must not isolate, we must stay in community, we must help the vulnerable and find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future. One that is beckoning and welcoming." Her hopeful outlook is a rallying cry for collective action and envisioning a future filled with love, beauty, and truth.

Fonda concluded her speech with a message of hope and determination. "That will help people believe that on the other side there will still be love, there will still be beauty. And there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in. Let’s make it so." Her closing words remind us all of the enduring power of hope and the collective responsibility to strive for a better world.

Jane Fonda's speech at the SAG Awards was more than just a moment of reflection; it was a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for empathy, community, and courage in the fight for a more inclusive and equitable society.