Jane Fonda Reflects on Career Ahead of SAG Lifetime Achievement Award

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Jane Fonda, an iconic figure in Hollywood, is set to receive the Screen Actors Guild‘s Life Achievement Award during their annual awards ceremony on Sunday. The 87-year-old actress, known for her powerful performances and activism, will be honored for her significant contributions to film and society.

Fonda’s career spans more than six decades, marked by two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a steadfast commitment to social issues. “For me, art and activism have always been interconnected,” Fonda told Vogue. “If people are enjoying a movie, the message will enter their subconscious by osmosis.”

Fonda’s notable films include 1978’s “Coming Home,” which addresses the trauma faced by Vietnam veterans, and the 1979 thriller “The China Syndrome,” which gained notoriety after the Three Mile Island nuclear incident. “I never thought I would live this long, much less be a working actor for this long,” said Fonda. “I’m just so grateful to have had the career and life that I’ve had.”

After a 15-year hiatus from film, during which Fonda focused on her activism and personal life, she returned to the screen with 2005’s “Monster-in-Law” and has since collaborated with friends like Robert Redford and Lily Tomlin in various projects.

In a conversation with Vogue, Fonda reflected on her journey in Hollywood, including her decision to study with legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg. “He gave me the confidence and courage to start thinking of myself as an actor,” she stated. She acknowledged that her famous last name opened doors but also fueled her determination to prove herself. “That’s why I studied with Lee; instead of going to class once a week, I went twice,” she noted.

Fonda also discussed her approach to film and production shifts throughout her career, particularly during the rise of women’s influence in Hollywood. “When women began to develop projects and become directors, writers, and producers, the movies became much more character driven,” she explained.

As she prepares to accept the award, Fonda is excited about her future projects, revealing she is in the process of acquiring two books for adaptation into film. “I’m excited about sinking my teeth into a new character soon,” she said.

For many in the industry, the SAG Award represents a prestigious acknowledgment, particularly as it comes from fellow actors. “Receiving this honor from my peers makes it very special,” Fonda remarked.

As the ceremony approaches, fans and fellow actors alike look forward to celebrating Fonda’s remarkable legacy on and off the screen.