Jane Fonda Playfully Shades Barbra Streisand Over Robert Redford Tribute

Fonda claims she has 'more to say' about the late actor since she starred in more films with him than Streisand.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jane Fonda joked that she deserved to pay tribute to the late Robert Redford at this year's Oscars over Barbra Streisand, as Fonda starred in four movies with Redford while Streisand only starred with him in one. Fonda playfully questioned why Streisand was chosen to deliver the In Memoriam tribute for Redford, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 89.

Why it matters

Fonda and Redford had a long-standing working relationship and personal friendship, having starred together in several acclaimed films over the decades. Fonda's playful comments highlight the competitive nature of Hollywood and the desire for artists to be recognized for their contributions.

The details

In an interview at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Fonda joked that she 'has more to say' about Redford since she 'made four movies' with him, while Streisand 'only made one.' Streisand was ultimately chosen to deliver a moving In Memoriam tribute to Redford at the Oscars, where she recalled their time working together on the 1973 film 'The Way We Were.' Fonda and Redford first worked together in 1966's 'The Chase' and went on to co-star in 'Barefoot in the Park,' 'The Electric Horseman,' and 'Our Souls at Night.'

  • Redford passed away on September 16, 2025 at the age of 89.
  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

Jane Fonda

An 88-year-old acclaimed American actress who has starred in numerous films alongside the late Robert Redford over the decades.

Barbra Streisand

An 83-year-old legendary American singer, actress, and filmmaker who starred with Redford in the 1973 film 'The Way We Were.'

Robert Redford

A renowned American actor, director, producer, and businessman who passed away in 2025 at the age of 89.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford?”

— Jane Fonda

“I have more to say.”

— Jane Fonda

“After I read the first script of 'The Way We Were,' I could only imagine one man in the role and that was Robert Redford. But he turned it down because he said the character had no backbone. He doesn't stand for anything, and he was right. So many drafts later, Bob finally agreed to do it.”

— Barbra Streisand

“We had a wonderful time playing off each other because we never quite knew what the other one was going to do in a scene. I miss him now more than ever, even how he loved teasing me.”

— Barbra Streisand

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is expected to continue honoring the legacy of Robert Redford through future In Memoriam tributes and other special events.

The takeaway

Fonda's playful comments highlight the competitive nature of Hollywood and the desire for artists to be recognized for their contributions, even decades after working together. Redford's impact on cinema is undeniable, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes from both Fonda and Streisand.