Jane Fonda Clarifies Comments About Barbra Streisand’s 2026 Oscars Tribute to Robert Redford

**Jane Fonda Reflects on Robert Redford’s Legacy and Their Lasting Friendship**

Screen icon Jane Fonda recently opened up about her deep admiration for the late Robert Redford during an appearance at the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Film Festival in Hollywood. At the event on 30th April, she shared memorable moments from their long-standing friendship and clarified a previous comment she made regarding an Oscars tribute to Redford.

The late Redford, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 88, collaborated with Fonda on four films over their careers, including classics such as *Barefoot in the Park* and *The Electric Horseman*. At the TCM festival, Fonda was present for a screening of *Barefoot in the Park* and engaged in a conversation with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz about their professional bond.

Fonda, 88, had previously made headlines after the Oscars on 15th March 2026, when she jokingly questioned why Barbra Streisand had been chosen to perform the tribute to Redford, given that she had starred in just one film with him. At the festival, she elaborated on her comments, expressing her genuine excitement over Streisand’s performance, which featured a song from their film *The Way We Were*.

Fonda remarked, “Well, he’s the only person I made four movies with and would have done a lot more if I had the chance. I loved him and I deeply respect him. And they didn’t ask me to do the Oscars.” Her lighthearted jest drew laughter from the audience, as she acknowledged that there had been no invitation extended for her to participate in the tribute.

Streisand’s performance was part of the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, during which she praised Redford as a “brilliant, subtle actor.” The connection they shared on-screen, she noted, added to the magic of their performances. Fonda echoed these sentiments, stating, “I thought it was fabulous that they had Barbra out there because that was such an iconic movie… The song was so incredibly… Bob would have liked it.”

Reflecting on their working relationship, Fonda reminisced about the moment they met while filming *The Chase*. She recalled an amusing exchange that highlighted Redford’s unique perspective on relationships, saying, “I asked him, I said, ‘Do you ever have affairs?’ And he had this weird answer. He said, ‘Well, if I was going to have an affair, it would be with somebody that was like a hooker.’”

Throughout her recollections, Fonda also revealed that she harboured “such a crush” on Redford, describing it as a “painful” experience especially during the filming of their intimate scenes in *Barefoot in the Park*. She noted that their chemistry was evident, as they shared numerous scenes together, including the last film they made, *Our Souls at Night*. “But nothing [happened],” she lightly asserted, referring to their personal dynamics during filming.

The time they spent working together left a lasting impression on Fonda, who reflected on their professional evolution as they aged. She shared a humorous anecdote about Redford’s punctuality, recalling, “I knew I had grown up because when he would come two hours late, I would get angry,” bringing a moment of levity to her tribute.

As discussions partook during the festival, Fonda continued to honour Redford’s legacy through laughter and heartfelt reminiscences. Their collaborations over the years showcased not only their diverse skills as performers but also the profound friendship that formed between them. With a notable film career spanning decades, Fonda reiterated the impact that Redford had on her life and work.

Concluding her reflections, Fonda highlighted that while she had her reservations about the talents selected for tributes, she was unequivocally thankful for the contributions they made to honour Redford’s memory. “He was a remarkable man and actor, and I’m grateful for the times we shared,” she said, encapsulating her feelings toward a friendship that spanned the decades and defined a significant part of her cinematic journey.

The audience at the TCM festival was reminded not only of Redford’s impressive body of work but also of the personal connections that shape the landscape of Hollywood. A celebration of his life was seen through the lens of those who knew him best, assuring that his legacy would be cherished for many years to come.