Featured Image Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Politics, SAG Awards, TV And Film, US News
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Politics, SAG Awards, TV And Film, US News
The stage of the annual SAG Awards is a major platform - and last night, Jane Fonda took full advantage of it to make a vital statement about 'wokeism' in the United States.
And despite her speech seemingly dividing millions of viewers watching the ceremony from home, the 87-year-old has also received mass praise around the world for the passionate message she issued.
Through Fonda wasn't up for any awards at this year's festivities, she was bestowed with a lifetime achievement accolade.
After being welcomed onto the stage by comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus - who also commended the actress for her longtime political activism - Fonda received a standing ovation.
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(For those who missed it, the Hollywood veteran was arrested a staggering five times in 2019 for environmental protests at the Capitol in Washington D.C.)
After emerging onto the stage, Fonda - best known for her movie roles in the likes of Fluke, 9-5, and They Shoot Horses, Don't They? - began by claiming: "What we, actors, create is empathy.
"Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls."
She then made reference to the current 'anti-woke' agenda of Donald Trump's new Republican presidency.
"And make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke," Fonda declared.
"By the way: woke just means you give a damn about other people."
Following his January inauguration, 78-year-old Trump launched a series of controversial executive orders, aimed at reversing 'woke' policies - as per The Guardian.
Tackling Trump's beliefs head on, however, Fonda went on to emphasise the need for empathy in a high-profile industry, adding: "A whole lot of people are gonna be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way.
"And even if they are 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.
"Because we are gonna need a big tent to resist successfully what's coming at us."
Towards the end of the monumental speech, she emphasised that she'd never give up fighting for what is important.
"We must stay in community," she urged viewers. "We must find ways to project an inspiring message of the future.
"There will still be love. There will still be beauty. And there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in."
Fonda concluded: "Let’s make it so. Thank you for this encouragement."
As we say, Fonda's speech has since gone viral, with many praising her for using her platform for good.
"Jane Fonda has always spoken Truth to power!!" one fan wrote on Instagram.
Another continued: "Brilliant speech - definitely a Queen"
"she is incredible!!!! intelligent beautiful and decades of wisdom!!!!!!" a third gushed.
A fourth confessed: "Thank you. Proud to be a liberal. I’m proud to say I am WOKE."