Jane Fonda makes headlines and is unabashed about it. She even attracts attention when you would not expect it. In fact, Fonda made some surprisingly sour comments about Barbra Streisand. Streisand gave a tribute to the late Robert Redford at the 2026 Academy Awards. Fonda's pointed remarks did not sit well with many. She apparently thought she would have been a more appropriate choice to honor Redford. Now, the star seems to be revisiting and softening those verbal jabs quite a bit. Fonda explained recently that she was merely being witty.
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What the Actress Said on Oscar Night
Fonda, 88, spoke her mind about Redford's In Memoriam segment that was presented during the glittering event. Streisand was evidently selected to deliver it because she co-starred with Redford in one of his most enduring and beloved classics, The Way We Were, from 1973.
The Klute actress said this to Entertainment Tonight immediately following the Academy Awards on March 15. "I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford! She only made one movie with him, I made four!"
(Jane Fonda's four films with Robert Redford were The Chase, Barefoot in the Park, The Electric Horseman, and Our Souls at Night.)
What She Says Now of the Redford Tribute
Per People, Fonda was a guest at the Classic Film Festival held by Turner Classic Movies in Hollywood on April 30. There was a screening of Fonda and Redford's romantic romp, Barefoot in the Park. Prior to the film being shown, Fonda was interviewed by Ben Mankiewicz of TCM. She commented on the Robert Redford tribute from Barbra Streisand.
She said, "Well, he's {Redford's] the only person I made four movies with and would have done a lot more if I had the chance. But I loved him and I deeply respect him. And they didn't ask me to do the Oscars," Fonda shared lightheartedly.
Furthermore, Fonda continued, "By the way, Barbra [Streisand] came on this Oscar thing to honor Bob and I was on the press line and I thought I was being funny. I said, 'Well, why did they ask her? I made four movies with him!' But actually, I thought it was fabulous that they had Barbra out there because that was such an iconic movie. The [theme] song was so incredibly... Bob would have liked it."
