Jane Fonda wonders why Barbra Streisand led Redford Oscars tribute over her

Jane Fonda will always speak her mind. The Grace and Frankie actress humorously remarked on Barbra Streisand‘s homage to Robert Redford at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday evening. 

“I want to know why Streisand was chosen for that tribute to Redford,” she joked to Entertainment Tonight during a conversation at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, “She only shared the screen with him once. I was in four films with him. I've got plenty more to say.”

When inquired about her fondest memories of working with Redford, Fonda chuckled and shared that she “was completely smitten with him. Such a handsome man with incredible morals. He made significant contributions to the film industry, pioneering advancements in independent cinema.”

Fonda and Redford co-starred in The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Our Souls at Night (2017).

Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at 89 years old.

Streisand offered a touching tribute to her former The Way We Were co-star Redford and performed a segment from the film’s Oscar-winning theme song.

“He was a remarkably talented, nuanced actor, and collaborating was delightful as we were always caught off-guard by each other’s scene interpretations,” Streisand commented.

The “Don’t Rain On My Parade” performer also highlighted Redford's unwavering strength “both onscreen and off.”

“He was a vocal advocate for press freedom, environmental protection, and nurturing emerging talents at his Sundance Institute—some of whom are nominated for Oscars tonight, which is just wonderful,” Streisand noted. 

“He was reflective and daring. I affectionately called him an intellectual cowboy who forged his path, winning the best director accolade, and his absence is deeply felt.”