Jane Fonda Questions Why Barbra Streisand Honored Robert Redford at Oscars 2026
Jane Fonda is questioning why she wasn’t selected to honor her longtime friend and collaborator, Robert Redford, during the In Memoriam segment at the Academy Awards. The confusion arose after Barbra Streisand delivered a moving tribute to Redford, who died aged 89 in September.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Fonda, 88, expressed her surprise, stating, “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 and Redford shared the screen in five films over five decades, beginning with The Chase and continuing with Barefoot in the Park, The Electric Horseman, and Our Souls at Night. The Academy has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the decision to have Streisand, rather than Fonda, deliver the tribute.
“I was always in love with him,” Fonda confessed on the red carpet, adding, “The most gorgeous human being and such great values and he did a lot for movies. He really changed movies, lifted up independent movies.” This admission adds a personal layer to her disappointment, suggesting a deeper connection than simply professional collaboration.
Streisand’s tribute focused on Redford’s legacy as both an actor and an activist. She described him as “thoughtful and bold,” and highlighted his commitment to independent filmmaking. She likewise reminisced about their playful dynamic on the set of The Way We Were, noting their ability to surprise each other during scenes. Streisand capped her tribute with a rare performance of the film’s title song, “The Way We Were,” her first performance of the song at the Oscars in over a decade, having last performed it in to honor composer Marvin Hamlisch.
Fonda had previously publicly mourned Redford’s passing, releasing a statement that read, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. 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 retain fighting for.” This statement underscores the depth of their relationship and the significance of Redford’s loss, making Fonda’s exclusion from the Oscars tribute all the more notable.
The Academy’s In Memoriam segment honored a number of prominent figures from the film industry, including director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were remembered by Billy Crystal, and Diane Keaton, who was honored by Rachel McAdams. Other figures recognized included Catherine O’Hara, Diane Ladd, and Robert Duvall. The ceremony was hosted by Conan O’Brien.
The situation raises questions about the criteria the Academy uses when selecting individuals to deliver tributes. While Streisand and Redford shared a memorable on-screen partnership in The Way We Were, Fonda’s extensive history with Redford – encompassing four films and a decades-long friendship – arguably made her a more fitting choice to honor his life and career. The incident highlights the complexities of navigating personal relationships and professional legacies within the often-sensitive context of awards show tributes.
The Independent reached out to the Academy for comment but did not receive a response as of press time. The lack of explanation from the Academy only fuels speculation and underscores Fonda’s public questioning of the decision.