The 2026 Academy Awards featured emotional tributes to Hollywood legends, but one moment sparked unexpected drama behind the scenes.
Jane Fonda openly questioned why Barbra Streisand was chosen to honor the late Robert Redford during the ceremony.
The comment quickly drew attention, reigniting conversation about the iconic actors’ shared history with the beloved film star.
Jane Fonda Questions Barbra Streisand’s Role In Redford Tribute
Jane Fonda did not hide her frustration over the decision to have Barbra Streisand lead the Oscars tribute to Robert Redford.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the veteran actress suggested she would have been a more fitting choice to honor the late Hollywood icon.
The reason, she explained, was her long professional history with Redford. Fonda appeared alongside him in several films over the decades, including “Tall Story,” “The Chase,” “Barefoot in the Park,” and “The Electric Horseman.”
“I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford,” Fonda said to the outlet. “She only made one movie with him; I made four!”
Jane Fonda Reflects On Her Deep Bond With Robert Redford
Fonda also reflected on the deep admiration she held for the late actor, making it clear that her connection to him extended beyond their collaborations.
“I was always in love with him,” she admitted.
She continued by praising his character and influence in the film industry, saying, “[He was] the most gorgeous human being and had such great values. He did a lot for movies — he lifted up independent movies.”
Barbra Streisand Honors Robert Redford On Oscars Stage
Despite Jane Fonda’s remarks, Barbra Streisand delivered a heartfelt tribute to Redford during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment. The singer and actress shared memories from their time working together on the classic 1973 romantic drama “The Way We Were.”
Recalling the casting process, Streisand explained how Redford initially hesitated to take the role.
“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,” she told the audience, per the Daily Mail.
She added that the script was revised several times before he eventually agreed to join the project.
She revealed, “He doesn’t stand for anything, and he was right. So many drafts later, Bob finally agreed to do it. He was a brilliant, subtle actor, and 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.”
Streisand also described the qualities that made Redford such a beloved figure in Hollywood.
“He was thoughtful and bold,” she said. “I called him a little intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail. I miss him now more than ever.”
She concluded the tribute by performing the iconic song “The Way We Were” from their film.
Jane Fonda And Robert Redford’s Long Hollywood History
Jane Fonda’s reaction likely stems from the deep history she shared with Redford on screen.
Their collaborations spanned decades, beginning with “Tall Story” in 1960 and continuing through several memorable projects.
The two actors reunited once more later in their careers for the 2017 Netflix film “Our Souls at Night,” reminding audiences of their enduring chemistry.
Redford died in September at the age of 89, prompting tributes from many of the industry’s biggest names.
His legacy as both an actor and champion of independent cinema has long been recognized in Hollywood.
Fonda’s comments were proof of how much their partnership meant to her personally and professionally.
Barbra Streisand Previously Shared Emotional Words About Robert Redford
Streisand had also publicly honored Redford shortly after his passing in 2025.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, the actress shared memories of their time filming together.
“Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense, and pure joy,” Streisand wrote in September 2025.
She also reflected on the differences that made their partnership so memorable.
She said, “We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.”
Streisand continued to praise her late co-star, writing, “Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting, and one of the finest actors ever. The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings.”
She concluded the tribute by expressing gratitude for their collaboration, noting, “He was one of a kind, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. #RobertRedford.”
