In the United States, Jane Fonda expressed her confusion about why she was not chosen to honor Robert Redford during the Oscars' In Memoriam segment. This occurred during the 98th Academy Awards held on March 12, 2026, and was sparked by Barbra Streisand's tribute to Redford, whom she starred alongside in only one film, 'The Way We Were.' In contrast, Fonda acted with Redford in four films over several decades, including 'Barefoot in the Park' and 'Our Souls at Night.' Fonda publicly stated her strong connection to Redford, claiming that she had more to say about him due to their long friendship and collaboration. Following Redford's death on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, Fonda was visibly affected, sharing her grief and admiration for him. She referred to him as one of a kind and a significant figure in the film industry, lauding his contributions to independent films. Fonda's remarks reveal the depth of her feelings for Redford, noting that they had shared significant moments both on and off the screen. Streisand, acknowledging Redford's activism and contributions to cinema, delivered a moving speech during the Oscars, describing him as a thoughtful and bold individual. She celebrated their working relationship and the joy they found in collaborating together. Her performance of 'The Way We Were' during the event was significant, marking her first performance of the song at the Oscars since 2013. Fonda’s comments have stirred conversations about recognition and remembrance in Hollywood, particularly regarding the In Memoriam segment, which has drawn scrutiny for its choices over the years. The Academy has yet to respond to Fonda's public inquiry about why she was not selected to speak for Redford, leaving fans and observers to ponder the criteria used to determine speakers for such tributes.