Fonda expresses surprise at Streisand's role in honoring the late actor during the Oscars In Memoriam segment.
Category: World News
At the 98th Academy Awards, a moment of reflection turned into a playful controversy when Jane Fonda questioned why Barbra Streisand was selected to honor Robert Redford during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment. This lighthearted inquiry came after the ceremony, where Fonda expressed her feelings about the tribute in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Redford, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 89, was celebrated for his significant contributions to cinema, including his two Oscars—one for Best Director for Ordinary People in 1981 and an honorary Oscar in 2002. Streisand's tribute was notable as she had only starred in one film with Redford, the 1973 classic The Way We Were, for which she received a Best Actress nomination. Fonda, on the other hand, collaborated with Redford on four films: The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Our Souls at Night (2017).
“I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford?” Fonda playfully questioned. “She only made one movie with him; I made four. I have more to say.” Her comments highlight a sense of camaraderie and competition among Hollywood’s elite, especially when it comes to honoring their peers.
Fonda’s affectionate remarks about Redford didn’t stop there. With a laugh, she admitted, “I was always in love with him,” showcasing the deep admiration she held for the late actor. Moreover, she expressed gratitude for Redford’s role in promoting independent filmmaking, particularly through his establishment of the Sundance Film Festival in 1985, which has become a pivotal platform for independent filmmakers.
In addition to her comments about Redford, Fonda reflected on her personal loss, revealing that she missed the In Memoriam tribute to her dear friend Diane Keaton, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79. Fonda described Keaton’s death as a significant emotional blow, saying, “Her passing really hit me hard.” The two had shared the screen in the 2018 film Book Club and its sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter, released in 2023.
The In Memoriam segment at the Oscars is traditionally a solemn tribute to those in the film industry who have passed away in the previous year. This year, it honored several notable figures, including Terence Stamp, Sally Kirkland, Diane Ladd, Robert Duvall, and Catherine O’Hara, among others. Redford’s posthumous recognition was a poignant reminder of his legacy in Hollywood.
Fonda’s candid remarks not only shed light on her feelings regarding the tribute but also highlighted the intricacies of relationships within the film industry. While Streisand’s tribute may have been well-intentioned, Fonda’s playful critique serves as a reminder of the deep connections and rivalries that exist among Hollywood stars.
The Oscars, often viewed as a celebration of cinematic achievements, also serve as a platform for reflection and remembrance. Fonda’s comments reveal a personal side to the awards, where emotions run high, and tributes can spark discussions that resonate beyond the screen.
As the film community continues to mourn the loss of icons like Redford and Keaton, it is evident that their legacies will endure through the stories they told and the relationships they built. The playful banter between Fonda and Streisand adds a layer of humanity to the often glamorous world of Hollywood, reminding fans that behind the glitz and glamour are real emotions and connections.
In the end, Fonda’s lighthearted critique of Streisand’s tribute serves as a reminder of the complexities of friendship and rivalry in Hollywood. As the film industry moves forward, the memories of those who have left us will continue to shape the narratives that define cinema.