Two-time Academy Award winner Jane Fonda issued a playful yet pointed critique of the 98th annual Academy Awards’ “In Memoriam” segment Sunday night, questioning why Barbra Streisand was chosen to lead the tribute for the late Robert Redford over his more frequent collaborators.
Redford, a cinematic icon and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, died on Sept. 16, 2025, at the age of 89. His passing left a profound void in the industry, one that the Academy sought to fill with a high-profile tribute during the Conan O’Brien-hosted ceremony.
A Disputed Legacy on Stage
While Streisand, 83, delivered a moving speech and a rare live performance of “The Way We Were”—marking her first Oscar stage performance in over a decade—Fonda suggested the Academy’s math was off.
“I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford?” Fonda, 88, told reporters at an Oscar night gala. “She only made one movie with him, I made four! I have more to say.”
Fonda’s history with Redford spans nearly 60 years of film history. Their collaborations include:
- Tall Story (1960)
- The Chase (1966)
- Barefoot in the Park (1967)
- Our Souls at Night (2017)
In contrast, Streisand’s professional work with Redford was limited to the 1973 Sydney Pollack classic The Way We Were. Despite the discrepancy in volume, Streisand described Redford on stage as a “brilliant, subtle actor,” noting the unpredictable chemistry they shared on set.
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Redford’s Impact on Independent Cinema
Beyond the lighthearted rivalry, Fonda underscored Redford’s substantive contributions to the medium. She credited him with fundamentally shifting the landscape of American film by championing independent voices.
“He really changed movies, lifted up independent movies,” Fonda said, describing him as a man of “great values” and “the most gorgeous human being.”
Following his death in late 2025, Fonda released a statement reflecting the gravity of the loss, stating that Redford “stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
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A Year of Heavy Losses
The 98th Academy Awards faced the somber task of honoring a particularly significant group of industry departures. The In Memoriam segment, while centered on Redford, also paid tribute to:
- Diane Keaton: Honored in a segment led by Rachel McAdams.
- Robert Duvall
- Val Kilmer
- Catherine O’Hara
- Rob Reiner
- Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Fonda admitted that the passing of her Book Club co-star, Diane Keaton, “hit me really hard,” noting that the industry has lost a staggering amount of talent within the last calendar year.
As the Academy continues to navigate the politics of its memorial segments, Fonda’s comments highlight the deep, personal connections that define Hollywood’s old guard—and the enduring legacy of Robert Redford’s six-decade career.
