Trending Now - Jane Fonda Challenges Barbra Streisand's Oscars Tribute to Redford

WHO:

Jane Fonda, actress and two-time Oscar winner

Barbra Streisand, singer and actress, eight-time Grammy winner

Robert Redford, actor and filmmaker, deceased

WHAT:

Jane Fonda expressed her desire to have delivered the tribute to Robert Redford instead of Barbra Streisand, stating, “I have more to say.”

Streisand performed a section of “The Way We Were” during her tribute to Redford at the 98th Academy Awards.

Streisand recalled that Redford initially turned down the role in “The Way We Were” because he felt the character had “no backbone” and “doesn’t stand for anything.”

Jane Fonda stated, “I was always in love with him. The most gorgeous human being and such great values. And he did a lot for movies. He really changed movies, lifted up independent movies.”

Barbra Streisand described Robert Redford as “a brilliant, subtle actor” and noted, “We had a wonderful time playing off each other because we never quite knew what the other one was going to do in a scene.”

Streisand mentioned that Redford “spoke up to defend freedom of the press, protect the environment and encouraged new voices at his Sundance Institute — some of whom are up for Oscars tonight, which is so great.”

Fonda and Redford also appeared in the 1960 film “Tall Story,” where Fonda had a starring role and Redford played an uncredited part as a basketball player.

Fonda expressed her feelings on Instagram after Redford's death, stating, “Bob made a real difference in all good ways. He represented an America we must now fight to protect. He revolutionized independent filmmaking and made us swoon in so many movies. I am very sad today. Cried all morning.”

Streisand shared on Instagram, “The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”

Jane Fonda stated, “I was always in love with him. The most gorgeous human being and such great values. And he did a lot for movies, he really changed movies, lifted up independent movies.”

Barbra Streisand described Robert Redford as “thoughtful and bold” and an “intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail.”

Streisand noted that Redford “had real backbone on and off the screen” and “spoke up to defend freedom of the press, protect the environment and encouraged new voices at his Sundance Institute.”

Jane Fonda commented on Barbra Streisand’s tribute to Robert Redford at the 98th Academy Awards.

Fonda quipped, “I wanna know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford. She only made one movie with him. I made four. I have more to say.”

Fonda starred with Redford in four films: The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Our Souls at Night (2017).

Streisand paid tribute to Redford and sang a passage from the Oscar-winning theme song of The Way We Were.

Streisand described Redford as “thoughtful and bold” and an “intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail.”

WHERE:

The tribute took place at the 98th Academy Awards.

The Vanity Fair Oscar party, where Fonda made her comments.

WHEN:

The 98th Academy Awards were held on March 15th, 2026.

The 98th Academy Awards occurred on March 15th, 2026.

Robert Redford died on September 16th, 2025, at the age of 89.

WHY:

Fonda noted that she felt a strong connection to Redford, saying, “I was always in love with him. The most gorgeous human being and such great values.”

Fonda expressed her feelings about her long-standing admiration for Redford and her connection to him through their multiple collaborations.

HOW:

Fonda made her comments during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Fonda made her comments during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 23:12 UTC)

At the 98th Academy Awards held last Monday, Jane Fonda expressed her wish to have delivered the tribute to Robert Redford instead of Barbra Streisand, saying she had more to say. During her tribute, Streisand performed a section of “The Way We Were” and recalled how Redford initially turned down the role because he believed the character lacked backbone. Fonda shared her deep admiration for Redford, stating, “I was always in love with him. The most gorgeous human being and such great values.”

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 19:25 UTC)

Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand have both paid heartfelt tributes to Robert Redford following his passing, with Fonda recalling her love for him and his significant impact on independent filmmaking. Streisand described Redford as a brilliant actor and highlighted their wonderful chemistry while working together, noting his commitment to freedom of the press and the environment through initiatives like the Sundance Institute. Both actresses shared personal memories on Instagram, with Fonda expressing her sadness and gratitude for Redford's contributions, while Streisand reminisced about their last lunch together and their shared passion for art.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 11:17 UTC)

At the 98th Academy Awards held last Sunday, Jane Fonda shared heartfelt memories of Robert Redford, saying, “I was always in love with him,” and praised his impact on independent films. Barbra Streisand also paid tribute, calling Redford a “thoughtful and bold” intellectual cowboy who stood up for freedom of the press and the environment. Fonda's remarks came during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, highlighting the profound respect and admiration many have for Redford's legacy.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 07:25 UTC)

At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, Jane Fonda expressed her thoughts on Barbra Streisand's tribute to the late Robert Redford, who passed away last September at the age of 89. Fonda humorously pointed out that while Streisand only starred in one film with Redford, she had collaborated with him on four, saying, “I have more to say.” During the tribute, Streisand described Redford as “thoughtful and bold,” and sang a passage from the Oscar-winning theme song of The Way We Were.