At the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Jane Fonda once again proved why she remains one of Hollywood’s most outspoken and fearless voices. While accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, the legendary actress delivered a powerful speech that celebrated unions, called for activism, and took direct aim at Donald Trump’s attacks on diversity and inclusion.

With Julia Louis-Dreyfus presenting the honor, Fonda captivated the audience with her sharp wit, unwavering passion, and call for unity in a divided time. She made it clear that, at 86 years old, she’s far from done fighting for justice.

Let’s break down her most powerful moments, what her speech means, and why it’s sparking conversation across the nation.

🎭 A Lifetime of Achievement and Activism

Fonda, known for her trailblazing Hollywood career and decades of social activism, began her speech with humor:

🗣️ “This means the world to me. And your enthusiasm makes it seem less like a late twilight of my life and more like a ‘Go, girl. Kick ass,’ which is good because I’m not done.”

Her words set the tone—this wasn’t just a moment of reflection but a rallying cry for action. She spoke about her unconventional career path, returning to Hollywood in her 60s and achieving some of her biggest successes in her 80s.

💡 “I made one of my most successful movies in my 80s. And probably in my 90s, I’ll be doing my own stunts in an action movie.”

But beyond Hollywood, Fonda’s legacy is rooted in social activism, a cause she has championed for over 50 years.

✊ A Passionate Defense of Workers’ Unions

Fonda quickly pivoted to one of her strongest beliefs—supporting unions. In the wake of the historic SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes, her words resonated deeply:

🗣️ “I’m a big believer in unions. They have our backs. They bring us into community, and they give us power.”

She acknowledged that actors don’t create tangible products like other workers—instead, they create empathy. Through storytelling, performers open people’s minds, expose injustices, and bring new perspectives to light.

💡 “Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls. We know why they do what they do. We feel their joy and their pain.”

Fonda’s words reinforced the importance of art in shaping society, making it clear that storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s a force for change.

A Direct Shot at Trump and His Attacks on Diversity

One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Fonda called out Donald Trump’s opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

While discussing the power of empathy, she referenced Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump in the 2024 biopic The Apprentice.

🗣️ “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or ‘woke.’ And by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.”

🔥 Why is this important?

Trump has frequently criticized “woke” culture, using it as a rallying cry against progressive policies. Fonda’s blunt remark reclaimed the word, turning it into a message of compassion rather than an insult.

This line immediately sparked reactions across social media, with supporters praising her for speaking out and critics accusing her of politicizing an awards show.

🚨 Warning About the Future: “This Is Our Documentary Moment”

Fonda didn’t just reflect on the past—she issued a stark warning about the present. Comparing today’s political climate to the McCarthy era, she reminded the audience that Hollywood once fought back against oppression.

🗣️ “I made my first movie in 1958. It was the tail end of McCarthyism, when so many careers were destroyed. But Hollywood resisted.”

She invoked past movements, asking the audience whether they would have been brave enough to march during civil rights protests, fight apartheid, or stand up for LGBTQ+ rights. Then, she delivered one of the most chilling lines of the night:

🔥 “We don’t have to wonder anymore, because we are in our documentary moment.”

Her point was clear: This is no longer history—it’s happening now. And it demands action.

🤝 A Call for Unity in the Face of Division

As her speech neared its conclusion, Fonda urged Americans to come together, regardless of political differences.

🗣️ “A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way. And even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and not judge, but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent.”

She emphasized the need for a “big tent” approach—a united front to resist policies that harm marginalized communities.

💡 “We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable.”

In a time of deep political division, her words served as a reminder that change doesn’t come from tearing people apart—it comes from standing together.

🎬 A Standing Ovation and a Legacy of Activism

As Fonda finished her speech, the audience erupted in thunderous applause. It was a fitting tribute to a woman who has never been afraid to speak her truth, even when it was unpopular.

Whether fighting for civil rights, environmental justice, or labor rights, she has remained fearlessly committed to activism throughout her career.

Her speech wasn’t just about celebrating a Lifetime Achievement Award—it was a call to action. She challenged Hollywood, and America, to stand up, resist injustice, and fight for a future where empathy prevails over division.

🔥 Conclusion: Fonda’s Message Resonates Beyond Hollywood

Jane Fonda’s SAG Awards speech wasn’t just another Hollywood moment—it was a powerful statement on the state of the country.

✅ She championed unions and workers’ rights, reminding us that solidarity is strength.
✅ She took a stand against Trump’s attacks on diversity, redefining “woke” as an act of compassion.
✅ She warned of dark times ahead, urging people to take action before it’s too late.
✅ She called for unity, reminding Americans that we must fight together, not against each other.

At 86, Fonda’s fire is far from extinguished. If this speech proved anything, it’s that she’s still one of the most powerful voices in Hollywood and beyond.

As she boldly declared:

🔥 “Let’s be brave. This is not a rehearsal.”

The question now is: Will people listen?