jane fonda questioned why Barbra Streisand paid tribute to Robert Redford at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night (ET), saying she had “more to say. ” The remark came in an interview at an industry Oscar party after the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment honored Redford, who died on Sept. 16, 2025 (ET). Fonda noted she and Redford worked together on four films and quipped that Streisand had only made one with him.
Quick rundown: what happened onstage and off
Barbra Streisand went onstage at the 98th Academy Awards and sang a portion of the title song from the 1973 film The Way We Were after paying tribute to her co-star, Robert Redford. Streisand described the film as reflecting a dark time in U. S. history and praised Redford’s political courage, saying he had “spoke[n] up to defend the freedom of the press, protect the environment and encourage new voices. ” She called him “an intellectual cowboy” who “blazed his own trail. “
jane fonda reacted shortly after the broadcast, questioning why Streisand delivered the tribute. Fonda said she had worked with Redford on four films and laughed that she had been “always in love with him, ” adding that she felt she had more to say about their work together.
Jane Fonda Reacts at Oscar Party
Jane Fonda, actor, speaking at an Oscar party, told interviewers she had not seen every moment of the In Memoriam montage and expressed surprise that Streisand was chosen to speak for Redford. “I want to 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, ” jane fonda said. When asked what she remembered most about Redford, jane fonda laughed and said, “I was always in love with him. “
Onstage tribute and the industry response
Barbra Streisand, actor and singer, onstage at the awards, recalled her time with Redford on The Way We Were and said she had told him she loved him in her last note to him. Streisand also noted Redford’s contributions beyond acting, referencing his work to protect the environment and support new voices through his institute. Redford’s career recognitions were noted during the ceremony: he won an Oscar for his directorial debut and received an honorary Academy Award that Streisand presented in 2002.
The In Memoriam segment also honored other figures from the film community, including Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, Diana Ladd and Val Kilmer.
Quick context
jane fonda and Robert Redford co-starred in four films together: The Chase, Barefoot in the Park, The Electric Horseman and Our Souls at Night. Barbra Streisand and Redford co-starred in the 1973 romantic drama The Way We Were.
What’s next
Expect further public reactions and possible extended remarks from jane fonda as conversations about the Oscars In Memoriam choices continue. Industry voices are likely to reflect on both Redford’s legacy and who represents him on major stages in the days ahead.
