Jane Fonda Expresses Surprise Over Barbra Streisand's Robert Redford Oscars Tribute
Jane Fonda has openly questioned why Barbra Streisand was chosen to deliver the tribute to the late Robert Redford during the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony. Speaking on the red carpet at an Oscars afterparty, Fonda playfully remarked to a reporter, "I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford?" She added, "She only made one movie with him, I made four ... I have more to say."
Fonda's Deep Connection to Redford
Fonda, now 88, shared her profound admiration for Redford, stating, "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." The two actors collaborated on four films: The Chase in 1966, Barefoot in the Park in 1967, The Electric Horseman in 1979, and Our Souls at Night in 2017. Following Redford's death in October, Fonda posted on Instagram, "I can't stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for."
Streisand's Tribute Highlights Redford's Legacy
Barbra Streisand's tribute was one of three extended segments in the Oscars' in memoriam section, alongside those for Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton. Streisand, who co-starred with Redford in the 1973 film The Way We Were, recalled his initial hesitation about the role and praised his integrity. "Bob had real backbone on and off the screen," she said, noting his advocacy for freedom of the press, environmental protection, and support for new voices through his Sundance Institute. She also presented Redford with an honorary Oscar in 2002 and shared that their last communication included mutual expressions of love.
Controversy and Omissions in the Oscars Tribute
The in memoriam segment also honored other late stars such as Robert Duvall and Terence Stamp, but faced criticism for omitting notable figures like Brigitte Bardot and Bud Cort. This has sparked ongoing debates about the Academy's selection process for tributes, highlighting the challenges of adequately commemorating all influential figures in the film industry.
Fonda's comments underscore the personal and professional bonds within Hollywood, reflecting on Redford's significant impact on cinema and independent filmmaking. Her remarks add a layer of intrigue to the Oscars' tribute decisions, emphasizing the deep connections that shape Hollywood's memorial practices.
